Between taiko drums and great expectations, Shinji Kagawa (Kobe, Japan, 1989) was introduced as a new Real Zaragoza player last summer. In view of the expectation, the club opted for the Zaragoza Auditorium to present its brand new midfielder. 60 journalists from 35 different media , 12 of them, Japanese, covered their first statements. The fans also overturned with their arrival. Some 5,000 people received their new signing in La Romareda. From Pablo Aimar , the Maño stadium was not witness to such a massive presentation.
Kagawa met one of his goals before returning to Japan: play in Spain . Chance decided that his next destination was in Aragon. Sergio Cortella was in charge of finding accommodation in the League for the Japanese soccer player. It wasn't turning out easy until he ran into Pedro Herrera . Companion agency and former sports director of the Maño team, crossed the path of Cortella with a clear question: "And why don't we bring him to Zaragoza?" His son, footballer Ander Herrera , was among the first to celebrate the signing. "He's more excited than me," said Kagawa himself about his former teammate at United.
With the enthusiasm of the coach, Víctor Fernández , and a reduction in his salary, Shinji ended up in La Romareda. And, with him, his entourage formed by a physiotherapist, a translator, a person in charge of his business affairs and a person of his total confidence. Star treatment for those who have always been in their country: they have dressed 97 times the shirt of their selection. At age 12, he entered the Miyahi Barcelona soccer school. A center without connection with the Barca entity but with appreciation for touch football. There, he became a talented and ambidextrous midfielder.
He is an idol in Japan . From his country he drags prestigious brands, more than one and a half million followers in his social networks and a patrimony of more than 25 million euros , according to El Heraldo. An impact that, for the moment, has not been noticeable on the lawn. This was recognized by the footballer himself. «I'm not happy for the games I've played, but I'm going to give my all to the team and the fans. We will win the first match of 2020 », he announced at the end of December. He was not mistaken. Zaragoza only knows the triumph with the new year: three victories in the League and two in the Cup, against Nástic and a First as Mallorca.
It was, precisely, before the Balearic group where its best version has been seen. « Kagawa has played his best game since he is here . He has managed the times perfectly, ”said Víctor Fernández, happy after seeing how his players thrashed 3-1 against a team from a higher category. His next opponent will be today (9:00 p.m., Cuatro and DAZN) Real Madrid although the coach acknowledges that his priority is to win over Cádiz over the weekend.
The match against the white team will be " a prize " for the usual substitutes, although some starting players will also be of the game. Kagawa, without just minutes in recent months, will try to maintain its level shown before Mallorca. Madrid is an old acquaintance of the Japanese, whom he faced in his stages in Dortmund and Manchester although he has never managed to beat them on the pitch. The Copa del Rey will be a great opportunity to shine again before the spotlights.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more