Auckland City has bolstered its squad for December’s FIFA Club World Cup by signing former Japanese soccer international Teruo Iwamoto on a short-term contract.

The 34-year-old midfielder has joined the New Zealand Football Championship titleholders as a “marquee player” until the conclusion of the FIFA showpiece in Iwamoto’s home land from December 10-17.

Iwamoto’s seven-week deal means he will be eligible to play five NZFC matches prior to Auckland’s Club World Cup debut where they have drawn the yet-to-be-decided champions of Africa in their opening match in Toyota City on December 10.

Auckland chairman Ivan Vuksich described Iwamoto’s signing, released simultaneously to the New Zealand and Japanese media, as a “coup” for the club.

Renowned as a free-kick specialist, the left-footed Iwamoto has scored 32 goals in 191 J-League appearances for Vegalta Sendai and Nagoya Grampus. His international career includes nine caps and two goals for Japan.

A piano player of some ability, Iwamoto has also recently starred on the television series Kaido Tekuteku Tabi which saw him walk the 500km of Japan’s historic Tokaido Highway.

“It’s quite a coup,” Vuksich told nzsoccer.com said of the signing of the 180cm, 74kg Iwamoto.

“I’d say he’s at least as good as &091;Auckland’s talented South African striker&093; Grant Young when he joined the club. I think he’ll make an impact like that and that’s pretty special.”

Vuksich believes Iwamoto, who is on the comeback trial from injury, will help Auckland win over the crowds in Japan who are already likely to adopt the Oceania champions as the amateur underdogs in a tournament boasting European heavyweights FC Barcelona.

“He was injured last year and failed to pick up a J-League contract so he wants to show the Japanese public he’s still up to it. We’re very fortunate to get someone who has got so much to prove,” Vuksich said.

“We worked very, very hard to get him.”

Iwamoto is due in Auckland on October 29, two days before the club hosts a FIFA-orchestrated media conference which is set to attract at least 12 Japanese journalists to New Zealand.

He is set to make his NZFC debut against visiting Waikato FC on November 4 and will also be available for Auckland’s home games against Team Wellington and YoungHeart Manawatu on November 18 and December 3 respectively.

South Island fans will also get the chance to see the J-League hall-of-famer with Auckland’s away matches during Iwamoto’s stint against Canterbury United (November 11) and Otago United (November 26).

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ivan Vuksich

Chairman

Auckland City

021 387 956

Roger Wilkinson

Head coach

Auckland City

021 919 160