2 Feb 2003(Sun)

All good things must come to an end.

And it looks as though Amaral's long and distinguished career withFC Tokyo will be over at the end of the coming season.

The 36-year-old Brazilian center forward has played for the clubsince 1992, when it was known as Tokyo Gas.

When FC Tokyo joined the J.League in 1999, Amaral's goals helpedthe club win promotion to the first division at the first time of asking,and they have been there ever since.

Last season, Amaral scored 15 times in 29 league games, statisticswhich the club just could not ignore, despite his age.

The managing director, Murabayashi-san, said this week:"Amaral is a very special person and special player for FCTokyo.

"I don't think we'll ever find someone else like him.

"FC Tokyo has only a five-year history, but Amaral goes backmore than 10 years with this team.

"But he will be 37 years old this year, and everybody knowshis level now is not at the top."

There is no doubting Amaral's popularity at Tokyo Stadium inChofu.

Fans refer to him as "the king of Tokyo," while a giantbanner proclaims "King Amaral Stadium."

This is why FC Tokyo have given him a new contract for 2003, andwhy officials such as Murabayashi-san will try and make it a special yearfor the player.

"We are planning to market more Amaral merchandise and alsouse his No. 11 in special promotions," said Murabayashi.

"For example, there is a No. 11 Gate at Tokyo Stadium which wewill refer to as 'Amaral Gate,' and every No. 11 seat in the stadium willbe called an 'Amaral seat.'"

Despite having one of the smallest budgets in J1, especially whencompared to Yokohama F Marinos (Nissan), Urawa Reds (Mitsubishi) andNagoya Grampus Eight (Toyota), FC Tokyo is one of the best-run clubs froma business point of view.

They are keeping the same three foreign players for next season,Amaral, the attacking midfielder Kelly and central defender Jean Witte,as they try to keep improving under manager Hiromi Hara.

The signing of Jo Kanazawa from Jubilo Iwata should also give theteam more balance, as they definitely lacked a left-sided midfielder lastseason.

On the right remains the exciting Olympic team prospect Ishikawa,who looks to be staying with FC Tokyo permanently now that Yukihiko Satohas moved in the opposite direction, to Marinos.

Just what Yukihiko thinks about the signing of Cafu, though, isanother matter, as the Brazilian World Cup veteran will occupy the rightflank.

At the same time, Verdy are now hoping that Marinos will allow themto sign Hayuma Tanaka on a full transfer rather than on loan.

ends