Morimoto cleared to play in Copa

Brescia, Italy — Catania will release Japan forward Takayuki Morimoto for the Copa America in July, general manager Pietro Lo Monaco said Sunday.

"Morimoto needs to get games," Lo Monaco said at Brescia, where Catania won 2-1 to keep its place in Serie A for next season.

Lo Monaco also said Catania has received an official letter from the Japan Football Association seeking Morimoto's release for the July 1-24 South American continental championship in Argentina.

The JFA has said it needs at least 15 players based overseas to send a team to the Copa America, which Alberto Zaccheroni's side will take part in as a guest.

The 22-year-old Morimoto, who did not even make the bench on Sunday, reiterated his decision to leave Catania at the end of the season.

"There's no way I'm changing my mind," Morimoto said. "I think there are a lot of possibilities, but the important thing for me is to be playing. I feel like I'm in great condition."

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Unhappy Morimoto wants transfer

BARI, Italy (Kyodo) Unhappy with his reduced playing time at Catania, striker Takayuki Morimoto hopes to find a new team after the current Serie A season.

"I'll never stay at Catania," the 22-year-old said Sunday after remaining on the bench in a 1-1 draw away to bottom side Bari.

"I can't say anything concrete, but my agent has mentioned offers from some clubs."

Morimoto, who joined Catania from Tokyo Verdy in 2006, has started only three matches and scored one goal this season.

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