We are pleased to announce that Koji Nakata, who retired from active play at the end of the 2014 season, has been appointed as Club Relations Officer (C.R.O) for the 2015 season.
■ Name:
Koji Nakata
■ Date of Birth:
July 9, 1979
■ Place of Birth:
Shiga Prefecture
■ Career History:
Gotogaoka Junior High School - Teikyo High School - Kashima Antlers (1998) - Marseille (2005, France) - Basel (2006, Switzerland) - Kashima Antlers (2008-2014)
■ Japan National Team:
57 international A matches, 2 goals
■ Duties as Club Relations Officer:
To act as a bridge between the club and stakeholders such as sponsors, partners, supporters, and government agencies. To focus on the football business and support the club on the business side.
■ Comment from C.R.O Nakata:
"After announcing my retirement last year, I had many discussions with my family, friends, and the club, and I came to the conclusion that being involved in football business at Kashima Antlers is the best path for me right now. I built a career as a 'veteran' player, but I have no experience as a club staff member. Based on what I learned as a player, I want to support the team in a different way than before and gradually contribute to the club. From now on, as Club Relations Officer (C.R.O), I hope to build even better relationships with all of the club's stakeholders."