Australia striker Kennedy announces Nagoya move

Towering Australian striker Josh Kennedy has joined J-League side Nagoya Grampus from Germany’s Karlsruher SC, the Japanese club said on its website Sunday.

The star had been looking to move on from Karlsruher, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, during which he had limited playing time after falling out with manager Edmund Becker.

“I want to present a lot of goals to Nagoya supporters,” Kennedy said in a Japanese-language statement posted on the website. “I am looking forward to new challenges and experiences at the club.”

Nagoya, managed by former Yugoslavia captain Dragan Stojkovic, did not disclose details of the deal.

The Jiji Press agency said the contract would last until January 1, 2010, and that Kennedy, who has scored six goals in 13 international appearances for the Socceroos, will arrive in Japan this month for a possible mid-July debut.

The 1.94 metre (6 feet 4 inches) forward, 26, helped Australia reach next year’s World Cup in South Africa and played in their 2-1 win over Japan in the final Group A qualifier in Melbourne on Wednesday.

He told reporters ahead of the Japan match that the J-League was “probably the best league in Asia at the moment.”

“It’s definitely the place to be and it’s an attractive place to be.”

Earlier this month Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that Kennedy had said he feared for his World Cup spot if he was forced to play second division football next season.