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Hamburg snap up Stuttgart's Gotoku Sakai

Xinhua, July 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

Japan international Gotoku Sakai joins Hamburg from Stuttgart, both clubs confirmed on Monday.

The 24-year-old defender left the "Swabians" after three and a half years to reinforce Hamburg's defence for the upcoming campaign. Yet, both clubs agreed to keep silence over further contract details.

The Japan international scored one goal in 87 appearances for Stuttgart. Sakai is part of the Japanese national squad since 2011. He made overall 23 caps for the "Samurai Blue".

"Coach Labbadia was one of the main reasons for my transfer. I know what he wants and he knows what I can," said the new arrival.

Head coach Bruno Labbadia, who already coached Sakai at Stuttgart, added: "He has a great mentality and build up play. The outstanding thing about him is the fact that he is strong with both foot."

Hamburg encounter German giants and title holder Bayern Munich on the road for the opener of the season 2015-2016 on August 14. Endi