Japanese international midfielder Shinji Ono is to leave Bochum and return home to play for Shimuzu S-Pulse, the German side announced.

The 30-year-old 2002 Asian Player of the Year has spent two years in Germany, but has struggled to get much first-team football largely due to a succession of injuries.

Shinji is a remarkable player and a good man, but during his time at Bochum he was badly hit by injuries and was unable to play as much as we would have wanted.
Bochum general manager Thomas Ernst

Ono played for Japan in three FIFA World Cups™ and won the 2002 UEFA Cup with Dutch side Feyenoord before joining Bochum in January 2008.

"Shinji is a remarkable player and a good man, but during his time at Bochum he was badly hit by injuries and was unable to play as much as we would have wanted," said Bochum general manager Thomas Ernst.

"He was very keen to return to Japan to be close to his family and we wish him all the best," he added.