Final berth justifies Japan return decision, says Urawa’s Sakai
TOKYO: Japan international defender Hiroki Sakai said Urawa Red Diamonds' progress to the Asian Champions League final had vindicated his decision to return to the J1 League despite opposition from those closest to him.
The 32-year-old played a key role in both of Urawa goals ahead of their penalty shoot-out win over South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors in a drama-filled semi-final at Saitama Stadium.
Urawa's progress to February's continental showpiece comes 13 months after Sakai signed for the club having spent the previous nine seasons in Europe.
"Last summer I came from Marseille to Urawa and in that moment nobody around me agreed with the decision, not my family or my agent", said Sakai. "So I needed this competition. We are still not champions but we can say we are the east Asian champion...