SINGAPORE – Fresh from leading Japanese side Albirex Niigata Singapore FC to an unprecedented quadruple this season, coach Naoki Naruo has decided to leave the club.

The 42-year-old, whose second stint at Albirex this season saw him lead the White Swans to a clean sweep of domestic titles, said he is leaving as he had completed the “do-or-die mission” of his coaching career.   

His contract with Albirex ends this season.

“When I was approached in December last year to be Albirex’s head coach again, I looked at the recent history of the club. It was apparent to me that the target was to win the league title, which had been elusive,” Naruo, who was at the helm of the team in 2009, was quoted as saying in the club's website on Thursday (Nov 3).

“It was a very clear objective and an attractive proposition for me. I told myself that I cannot afford to fail again at this second bite at the cherry.

“Thus I make a commitment to myself that I will take up this challenge to win the league title as a head coach for only one year, as a do or die mission for my coaching career. The result was an astounding clean sweep of four titles.”

Named S.League Coach of the Year for his achievements on Tuesday (Nov 1), Naruo added: “The club took 13 years to get to where it wants to be, that is, at the top. There were many pains and tribulations to get to the top.

“I was lucky enough to be the person who help to make the final push up the peak. I want to thank my players and coaches, office staff who believed in my methods. I also want to thank the sponsors and supporters for the fervent support we received."

While Naruo is looking forward to be with his family in Japan again, the Iwate native said he will have fond memories of his time in Singapore.

“Singapore is a wonderful country,” he said. “While I work hard in my new venture, I will remind myself of the many fond memories of this country.”