Nakamura staying at Reggina

'Such a talented player'
The Serie A club had until 25 January to decide whether they wanted to secure the 24-year-old's services on a contract until 2005. Reggina's president, Lillo Foti, confirmed the news when he said: "He's a great player and I hope that in the future he will be able to shine at a bigger club than ours. For the time being, however, he will stay with us in order to help the team avoid relegation. We're proud to have such a talented player in our squad."

Thanks to Marinos
Foti, who said that more than 25,000 Reggina shirts bearing Nakamura's name had been sold in Japan, added: "I want to thank Yokohama Marinos because they have been really helpful. The two clubs have a great relationship and today Reggina are one of the most popular teams in Japan thanks to Nakamura."

Nakamura delight
Nakamura, who joined Reggina last summer on an initial six-month loan, said: "I'm proud that Reggina have signed me on permanent basis. It means that they believe in me. I want to repay their trust by playing a part in a good second half of the season."

Relegation worries
Nakamura has scored five goals in 16 matches since he arrived at the Granillo stadium. Reggina are currently third bottom of Serie A with 13 points from 17 matches.