News

We are pleased to announce that we have reached a basic agreement with Toulouse FC of the French first division regarding the permanent transfer of Gen Shoji. He will now undergo a medical check in France before the official contract is signed. ＜Player Profile＞ ■Player Name: Gen Shoji ■Date of Birth: December 11, 1992, from Hyogo Prefecture ■Height/Weight: 182 cm, 74 kg ■Position: DF ■Career: FRESCA KOBE U-12 - Gamba Osaka Junior Youth - Yonago Kita High School (Tottori) - Kashima Antlers (2011) ■Official Match Record: J1 League: 157 appearances, 8 goals J.League Championship: 3 appearances, 0 goals League Cup: 19 appearances, 1 goal Emperor's Cup: 15 appearances, 2 goals AFC Champions League: 22 appearances, 0 goals FIFA Club World Cup: 6 appearances, 0 goals Suruga Bank Championship: 1 appearance, 0 goals Xerox Super Cup: 1 appearance, 0 goals ■International Career Japan National Team: 15 appearances, 1 goal ・Japan National Team (2018 FIFA World Cup Russia) ■Individual Titles 2016, 2017 J.League Best XI ■Comment from Player Shoji: "Thank you for eight years! In eight years, we won six titles. While that might not be a lot for Kashima, I am proud that we were able to win titles together with all of you. After the World Cup, I received an offer from an overseas club, and I was very torn about whether to transfer. I decided to stay with this club once more for Kashima's titles, especially to win the ACL. However, I received another offer, and I strongly felt that I wanted to test my abilities overseas and grow more as a football player. I consulted various people about the transfer. Uchida and Endo encouraged me, and when I consulted Captain Ogasawara, he said, "This is an offer you earned through your performance, isn't it! No matter what anyone says, if you want to go, go without hesitation!!" With those words, I decided to take on the challenge. Someday, I want to become as strong as Captain Ogasawara. To everyone involved with Kashima Antlers, I will always consider you family, no matter where I am! Thank you very much!"