28.10.2013 00:26 h

Football: Ono wants to finish career in Australia

Shinji Ono (l.) samen met Dino Kresinger (r.) na de overwinning op Brisbane Roar. (12-4-2013)
Shinji Ono (l.) samen met Dino Kresinger (r.) na de overwinning op Brisbane Roar. (12-4-2013)

Japanese star Shinji Ono wants to extend his contract with the Western Sydney Wanderers, which could see him finish his career in Australia's A-League, a report said on Monday.

The 34-year-old, who has played for Japan 56 times and appeared in three World Cups, is in the final year of his contract and said he would be happy to sign an extension.

"I want to stay as long as possible... I'm very happy," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Ono, who scored a stunning individual goal in the Wanderers' 2-0 derby win over Sydney FC on Saturday, said his future was in the hands of the club.

''I don't know, ask (them),'' he said when asked about his future. ''I have just a one-year contract but of course I want to stay as long as possible because I love this club, I love these supporters, I love these teammates.''

Ono has been an outstanding success for the Wanderers, thrilling their large following with his sublime skills and vision.

The playmaker lived up to his marquee status in the Sydney derby win before 40,000 fans with two decisive moments of individual brilliance in the first half.

An inch-perfect free kick was headed home by Italian midfielder Iacopo La Rocca for the opening goal and then Ono embarrassed Sydney FC's defence as he turned two players to seal the result with a shot into the far corner of the net.

Ono said the goal was one of the most memorable of his career.

''I'm very happy to make them happy, the supporters of Western Sydney Wanderers,'' he said.

''For me, I feel it was slow, that's why I thought the goalkeeper would save it but when I saw the ball hit the net, I was so happy.

''I'm very happy because I scored in front of a big crowd, and I really appreciate both teams, both clubs' supporters. They made us play in a great atmosphere.''