Ono latest to land at A-League arrivals gate

Long-serving Japan international Shinji Ono is the A-League’s newest headline-grabbing recruit following the recent arrival of Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey. Ono, 33, will arrive in Australia on Monday where he will link with Western Sydney Wanderers from J.League side Shimizu S-Pulse. The three-time FIFA World Cup™ finalist is expected to be available when the competition's newest club make their league debut against Central Coast Mariners on 6 October. Ono has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning 17 years, playing for Urawa Red Diamonds (1998-2001 & 2006-07), Feyenoord (2001-05), Bochum (2007-10) and, most recently, Shimizu S-Pulse (2010-12). As well as a distinguished club career, Ono has represented Japan on 56 occasions, including the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. “We have been in talks with Shinji and his management for a long time now, we have gone through the process and believe he will add a large amount to our squad across all areas,” said Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic. “He is an experienced player at all levels and has played on some of the biggest stages in the world.” 2006 FIFA World Cup-winner Del Piero signed with Sydney FC a fortnight ago, while former England international Emile Heskey last week joined Newcastle Jets. From : Fifa