Nagoya Grampus on Thursday announced that striker Hisato Sato will remain captain for the 2018 season.

The 2012 J.League MVP joined Grampus in 2017 from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, helping Yahiro Kazama’s side earn a swift return to the J1 League with five goals from 28 appearances.

“It’s an honor to be named captain for another season,” Sato commented. 

“No matter what the circumstances I want to play positively and embody our attacking philosophy so that we can play as a united team on the J1 stage.”

Midfielder Yuki Kobayashi and defender Ryuji Izumi were named vice-captains for Grampus, whose J1 campaign opens on February 24 at Gamba Osaka.