Midfielder Paulo Wanchope, the Costa Rican national team career scoring leader, has signed a two-year contract with Japanese club FC Tokyo.
Wanchope, 30, said on his Web site that he is "very happy and excited" about the new challenge. He said he was looking for a "new experience" and was impressed by Japan's progress at last year's World Cup. Wanchope said FC Tokyo made him a good offer but did not elaborate.
The agreement comes only weeks after Wanchope left the Argentine club Rosario Central. Over the years, he has also played for Derby County, West Ham, Manchester City, Spain's Malaga and Qatar's Al-Garafah club.
PHOTO: AP
Wanchope has 45 goals in 68 international matches with Costa Rica's "Ticos." Wanchope became the first Costa Rican to score twice in one World Cup match last year, although his team failed to advance to the second round.
FC Tokyo entered Japan's professional league in 1999 and is coached by Brazilian Alexander Tadeu Gallo.
It finished 13th in the 18-team J League that finished early last month.
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