Okazaki leaves Mainz

Japanese international striker Shinji Okazaki has joined English Premier League side Leciester City from Mainz for a reported fee of 11 million euros (12.27 million dollars). Okazaki has signed a a four-year deal with the English club, subject to a work permit.

Okazaki, 29, joined Mainz on a three-year deal in 2013 from Stuttgart and scored 29 goals in 70 appearances with the club. The striker, who has also scored 43 goals in 91 appearances for Japan, was the top goal scorer in both of his two season with Mainz.

"Shinji approached the club this summer and explained his long-cherished desire to play in the Premier League," Mainz Sporting Director Christian Hiedel told the club's website. "We regret his decision, because he was a reliable and important player for us and we have all see him as a man with a good heart."

"We accepted his decision to leave because he has always presented himself as an impeccable sportsman with great character," Hiedel continued. "We wish him every success with his future and will continue to watch how he progresses with great interest."

Okazaki's 12 league goals last season made him the Bundesliga's most prolific Japanese goalscorer. He joins former Schalke player Christian Fuchs at Leicester City, as well as former German international Robert Huth, with both players joining the club this summer.