Kagawa: Bring on the pressure
Manchester United’s new signing Shinji Kagawa believes that the pressure at one of the biggest clubs in the world will help him answer critics and doubters.
Kagawa took three years to complete his magical journey from playing in the Japanese Division Two with Cerezo Osaka to being double Bundesliga champions with Borussia Dortmund and now to being in one of the world's biggest club - Manchester United.
The Japanese star's move is one of the biggest stories in Asia and it's more than apparent in Shanghai, where he is travelling with Manchester United on their pre-season tour.
To illustrate the fact, United captain Rio Ferdinand was accompanied by a minder after the press conference to stroll back to the team while Kagawa was surrounded by five burly security guards in a quick scrum to escape the press pack.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN Star Sports, Kagawa shared about the life and pressure of being at the top. The Japan international revealed that he was surprised to be targeted by the club in the first place.
"First, I was surprised," he said, "Manchester United are obviously one of the biggest clubs and every football player will be happy to play here. Of course, I was also happy [to join the club]. I was surprised and happy."
With Darren Fletcher still out and Paul Scholes nearing retirement, the pressure is on Kagawa to take up the mantle to drive the midfield forward.
However, the 23-year-old is unconcerned about the expectations and instead hopes to answer doubters with results.
"I think every player in this team is expected to achieve results so I think it's good for me to have pressure and I want to answer the pressure with results.
"So, the pre-season is very important for me to get adapted to the team and to show my team mates my style."
If the comments from his manager were anything to go by, Kagawa has indeed taken to the club like fish to water.
Ferguson exhorted about the Japanese midfielder's ability to adapt despite being unable to speak English as yet and points out that it is a trait of a top player.
"On the training ground he never needs an explanation. After one demonstration he picks it up right away. The language isn't a problem," he said at a press conference, "A good footballer can pick up what's needed. He's been fantastic in that respect. I've been quite surprised at that."
Similarly, club captain Rio Ferdinand has been impressed with the attacking midfielder.
He added: "I've been very, very impressed. I'd seen him play for Dortmund on TV and I looked on YouTube. He's been fantastic.
"He's quick, he's sharp, he has great awareness, he plays off both feet. I'm excited about playing with him and getting the season started.
"He's been one of the better players in Germany for the last few years. I think he'll bring that form to Manchester United. I think he'll be a great acquisition."
Kagawa also revealed that Park Ji-Sung's successful stint at the club was a great confidence boost for Asian footballers to make it at the top level of football and hopes that he can match the Korean's success at Old Trafford.
"I've seen Park succeeding here and I think he's the number one player in Asia. To see him succeed at such a big club of course makes us proud.
"It gave me encouraged and confidence. I hope I can achieve what he has at the club."
As to adapting to life off the field at the club, Kagawa disclosed which of his team mates he is closest to.
"Anderson."
With the ever-smiling Brazilian at his side, it'll be hard for Kagawa to find his new team less than welcoming.