Dion Cools has become the first Malaysian footballer to sign for a Japanese top-flight club after joining J1 League outfit Cerezo Osaka.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian international Dion Cools (pic) is bracing for a bold new chapter in his career as he takes his talents to Japan's top flight, the J-League, with the club Cerezo Osaka.

Meanwhile, the official Harimau Malaya page, Malaysia NT, congratulated Dion Cools on becoming the first Malaysian to play in Asia’s top league with Cerezo Osaka.

PETALING JAYA: National defender Dion Cools has become the first Malaysian to sign with a J1 League club.

KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya captain Dion Cools has become the first Malaysian footballer to sign for a Japanese top-flight club. J1 League side Cerezo Osaka, currently eighth in the standings ...

PETALING JAYA: A birthday to remember, Dion Cools is heading to Japan. On the day he turned 29, the Malaysian international marked a major milestone in his career by signing with J-League 1 side ...

Dion Cools has become the first Malaysian footballer to join a Japanese top-flight club after his move to J1 League outfit Cerezo Osaka was announced on Wednesday. Masashi Hara/Getty Images ...