SOCCEROOS star Josh Kennedy says he wants to play with a Melbourne-based A-League club before the end of his illustrious career.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The two-time World Cup player is in the form of his life after leading Japanese club Nagoya Grampus to its first J-League title at the weekend and, despite not setting a time frame, says he would love to finish his career in Australia.
“My wife (Jacinta) is from Melbourne so I’d like to get back there and not be too old to play in the A-League,” Kennedy said from Japan yesterday.
“I watch a lot of it on the internet.
“Some teams are progressing quite well.
“Melbourne is my second home, Albury-Wodonga is my first, but I haven’t looked too far into the future.
“I’m still here for next season. I guess as long as things are going well I’m not in any rush.
“I’ve got two little girls and for them and my wife to be settled in and be happy is very important.”
Wodonga-born Kennedy, whose third child is due in May, was yesterday digesting Nagoya Grampus’s title-clinching 1-0 win away to Shonan Bellmare.
Forward Keiji Tamada scored the game’s only goal in the 66th minute to give Dragan Stojkovic’s side a 10-point lead at the top of the table with three games remaining.
Nagoya’s closest rival, Kashima Antlers, could only manage a goalless draw at Vissel Kobe.
“It was a bit of a strange game; we didn’t play our best,” Kennedy said.
“It’s a funny sort of feeling. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”
“I guess all the pressure is off now and can enjoy the last three games.”
Nagoya’s title win can be largely attributed to Kennedy’s rich vein of form.
The Wodonga-born striker, 28, sits two goals ahead of Urawa Reds’ Brazilian star Edmilson on top of the J-League scoring charts after netting 16 goals.
“It’s the best group of guys I’ve been with,” said Kennedy, who played with six clubs in his nine seasons in Germany.
“Looking over my professional career I couldn’t have asked for more so far for the season.
“I’ve been here a year and a half now and it’s fast and attacking football. For me being a striker you can’t ask for anything more.”
And in a further boost to Australia’s bid to host the World Cup in 2022, Kennedy, who has played in the past two World Cups in South Africa and Germany, said the country had proven it could stage world-class sporting events.
“Making the past two World Cups are big steps,” Kennedy said.
“It’s really put Australia on the map.
“We’ve shown we can host big events.
“It would be great for the country.”
