Ai Kurogo transfers to AEK Athens in Greece

Former Japanese national volleyball player Ai Kurogo has announced her transfer to AEK Athens, a club in the Greek women's volleyball league. At 28 years old, this marks Kurogo's first professional challenge abroad.

During a press conference in Saitama Prefecture, Kurogo expressed her excitement for the new environment and her desire to grow through international competition. She noted that her decision to move to Greece was driven by timing and opportunity. Reflecting on her time with her former team, Saitama Ageo Medics, she became emotional, describing her three years there as a significant treasure in her volleyball career.

Kurogo, an attacker who represented Japan at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, stated that her motivation to play internationally is fueled by a desire to compete on the world stage again. AEK Athens is a prominent club in Greece, having won the domestic league in the 2011/12 season.