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| "I want as many goals and assists as I can. I think that's what's most expected of me," Minamino said. "I believe I'll be seen as an experienced player within the side. I want to help my teammates approach big games, act as a calming figure and provide a positive influence to the team, starting from daily training." Monaco's Takumi Minamino (C) dribbles during a preseason-friendly match against Inter Milan on July 16, 2022, at Ferrara, Italy. (For editorial use only via Essonne Info) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] LA TURBIE, FR: Expected to play a key role for Japan during the World Cup in Qatar starting in November, Takumi Minamino left English giants Liverpool over the summer in search of regular playing time, at Monaco where he had a trial as a teenager, Kyodo Sports reported.
Entering his prime at the age of 27, the attacker is determined to shine in the principality where his dream to succeed in Europe first really began to take shape. "I thought I wanted to play here one day," said Minamino as he was unveiled this month by his new French Ligue 1 club, with whom he trained for two weeks as a 16-year-old while he was with Cerezo Osaka's youth setup.
Minamino joined Red Bull Salzburg just before turning 20 in January 2015 and won five straight Austrian league titles before catching the eye of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in an October 2019 Champions League tie. Last season was Minamino's best on Merseyside as Liverpool won both domestic cups, with Minamino their top scorer in each competition. Minamino vowed to keep up his scoring touch at Monaco, who begin their season with a Champions League qualifier first leg at home to PSV Eindhoven on Aug. 2 before facing Strasbourg away four days later in their Ligue 1 opener.
