Cerezo Osaka captain Yoichiro Kakitani was married to model Manami Marutaka on Thursday, his club confirmed.

The two had been dating for two and a half years according to the midfielder, who recently guided the team back to the J1 League with last weekend’s Promotion Playoff victory over Fagiano Okayama.

“She was there to support me during my difficult time in Switzerland and while I was injured playing for Cerezo Osaka, and we look forward to creating a warm and happy family together,” Kakitani revealed. 

“With this newfound responsibility I want to continue to improve as both a player and a person.”