Ono heading home

Bundesliga outfit Bochum have announced that midfielder Shinji Ono is to head back to his native Japan.

Japanese midfielder leaves Bundesliga outfit Bochum

Bundesliga outfit Bochum have announced that midfielder Shinji Ono is to head back to his native Japan. The 30-year-old has agreed terms with J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse and will leave Germany during the January transfer window. Ono has spent the last two years with Bochum but has struggled for first-team opportunities due to a succession of injuries. The Asian star brings to an end a second spell in European football, having previously enjoyed a successful five-year stint in Holland with Feyenoord. "Shinji is a remarkable player and a good man, but during his time at Bochum he was badly hit by injuries and was unable to play as much as we would have wanted," said Bochum general manager Thomas Ernst. "He was very keen to return to Japan to be close to his family and we wish him all the best." Bochum have wasted little time in replacing Ono and have already come to agreement with Milos Maric of Gent. The 27-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract.