1st Japanese Player Enters Bulgarian Football

Slavia Sofia President Ventsislav Stefanov (L) and player Taisuke Akiyoshi (R). Photo by Gong.bg

22-year-old Taisuke Akiyoshi has become the first Japanese player to sign a contract with a Bulgarian A Professional Football League club.

After a successful trial period Akiyoshi signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Slavia Sofia,

"Good morning," said Akiyoshi in Bulgarian as he was presented to the media. He added he hoped to become a first-team regular and help Slavia with his goals.

"I will try to get used to the Bulgarian lifestyle," the player stated.

Ventsislav Stefanov, Slavia Sofia's flamboyant boss, said he hoped Akyioshi would bring some "Japanese qualities" to his side.

"People from that distant land are extremely disciplined and he will be an example of how to be industrious," Stefanov pointed out, adding that some of his boys display a wrong attitude by thinking they are "big stars."

Football players in Bulgaria are widely believed to have a rather bohemian lifestyle.

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