Yoshida, Van Persie tussle for ball in English league

Yoshida, Van Persie tussle for ball in English league

SOUTHAMPON, England - Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (R) of Southampton FC tussles for the ball with Robin van Persie during his club's 1-2 home loss to Manchester United in a Premier League game in Southampton, England, on Dec. 8, 2014.

Southampton's Yoshida in action against Man United

Southampton's Yoshida in action against Man United

SOUTHAMPTON, Britain - Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (C) of Southampton FC heads the ball during the Premier League club's 1-2 home loss to Manchester United in Southampton, England, on Dec. 8, 2014.

Lee returns to Japan

Lee returns to Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Tadanari Lee meets the press at Haneda airport in Tokyo after arriving from Britain on Feb. 15, 2013. The 27-year-old striker, who recently joining FC Tokyo from Premier League club Southampton on a short-term loan deal, spoke to reporters before going on to join up with Tokyo at their preseason training in Miyazaki in southwestern Japan.

Japan World Cup soccer squad practices in training camp

Japan World Cup soccer squad practices in training camp

IBUSUKI, Japan - Maya Yoshida (R), a center back for English Premier League club Southampton, and Makoto Hasebe, a midfielder for Bundesliga club 1. FC Nurnberg and the captain of the Japanese national football squad, play in a practice game during the team's training camp in Ibusuki, southwestern Japan, on May 22, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening in Brazil in June.

Southampton defender Yoshida in Europa League play-off

Southampton defender Yoshida in Europa League play-off

Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (L) of Southampton FC tussles with FC Midtjylland forward Morten Rasmussen during the first leg of a Europa League play-off on Aug. 21, 2015. The English club drew 1-1 at home to the Danish league leaders. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Southampton beat Vitesse in Europa League match

Southampton beat Vitesse in Europa League match

Maya Yoshida (L) of England's Southampton vies for the ball in the second half of a match against Vitesse of the Netherlands in Arnhem on Aug. 6, 2015, contributing to the away side's 2-0 win. Southampton will face FC Midtjylland in the playoff round of the Europa League. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Yoshida, Van Persie tussle for ball in English league

Yoshida, Van Persie tussle for ball in English league

SOUTHAMPON, England - Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (R) of Southampton FC tussles for the ball with Robin van Persie during his club's 1-2 home loss to Manchester United in a Premier League game in Southampton, England, on Dec. 8, 2014. (Kyodo)

Leicester, Southampton end in a scoreless draw

Leicester, Southampton end in a scoreless draw

Shinji Okazaki (C) of Leicester City is seen in action during the second half of a game against Southampton FC in Leicester, England, on Oct. 2, 2016. The game ended in a scoreless draw. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Leicester, Southampton end in a scoreless draw

Leicester, Southampton end in a scoreless draw

Shinji Okazaki (R) of Leicester City is seen in action during the second half of a game against Southampton FC in Leicester, England, on Oct. 2, 2016. The game ended in a scoreless draw. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Southampton defender Yoshida fires shot in European League qualifier

Southampton defender Yoshida fires shot in European League qualifier

Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (L) of English Premier League club Southampton FC fires a shot against Vitesse Arnhem of the Netherlands in the first leg of a European League third-round qualifier in Southampton, England, on July 28, 2015. Southampton won 3-0. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo