Kashima Antlers on Wednesday announced the signing of defender Atsuto Uchida on a full transfer from Germany’s Union Berlin.

Uchida, who played for Antlers from 2006 to 2010 before joining Schalke in the Bundesliga, represented Japan at two FIFA World Cups as well as the 2011 Asian Cup.

“Ever since I moved to Schalke I’ve wanted to play at Kashima again and have always supported the club while I was in Germany,” Uchida said. 

“I believe I know how to conduct myself as part of a club with such a strong tradition, and I want to work hard under my former teammate and current manager Go Oiwa.

“I hope as many fans as possible will come to the stadium so that we can win together!”