Ono enjoying life Down Under

Japanese star Shinji Ono said he is enjoying life in Australia and wants to stay with the Western Sydney Wanderers and sign a new A-League deal, reports said on Tuesday. The former Japanese international midfielder is on a reported AUD$500,000 (USD$528,000) a season deal but wants to activate a clause in his contract to keep him at the Wanderers for a second season, the reports said. Ono, 33, said he was not motivated to stay in the A-League for financial reasons, but for the standard of football and Sydney lifestyle. "Yes, I want to (stay) but actually I have just a one-year contract, and we have to speak about next season," Ono told The Sydney Morning Herald. "I don't care how much the contract (is worth), but if they give me a chance to play I want to do what I can possibly do." Ono said he had yet to begin talks with the A-League newcomers about extending his stay but hoped that negotiations would start in the coming weeks. "I don't know (when talks will begin) but I hope soon. I want to stay more," Ono said. Ono has gradually adjusted to the Australian competition and was man-of-the-match in last Saturday's 2-0 win over cross-city rivals Sydney FC. "I think my confidence is getting better every day," he said.