Abe is a Japanese footballer who signed for City in August 2010 from Urawa Red Diamonds. Typically packed full of energy in his performances, Abe took time to settle into the English game but soon started making a positive impression on the Foxes fans. He penned a three-year deal and made his debut in a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City in September before scoring his first goal in a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town at the end of the season.
A defensive midfielder, Abe made 36 appearances during his first season at the Walkers Stadium. Unlike many other squad members, Abe kept his place in the first eleven following the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson and was also seen as a key cog at the start of the 2011-12 campaign despite City splashing the cash on a whole host of new midfield men. He's represented Japan at under-20, under-23 and senior level - making over 50 international appearances.
Suffering from homesickness, Abe's contract was cancelled by mutual consent on 22 January 2012 and he returned to Japan to re-join former club Urawa Reds.