Sugawara inspired by "legend" Yoshida
Japanese defender Yukinari Sugawara hopes to follow in the footsteps of Maya Yoshida after treading the same path as his compatriot in signing for Southampton.
Yoshida, described as a “legend” by Sugawara, has 127 caps for his country and was a popular figure in his eight-year stay at St Mary’s.
Like Yoshida, Sugawara started his career with Nagoya Grampus and joined Saints in the Premier League from the Dutch top flight.
The 24-year-old right-back revealed he also sought advice from Japan international teammate Takumi Minamino, as well as Jordy Clasie, who he played alongside at AZ Alkmaar, but did not need to be convinced to make the switch.
“I talked to Maya first. He sent me a text one day, ‘you want to go to Southampton?’ and he said some football things, but after that he just said to me ‘you can live in my house!’” Sugawara said, with a grin.
“He called me and I asked about football things, but he just said ‘live in my house!’ Maya is my legend, because I grew up in almost the same steps. I played for the same club in Japan, and me and him went to the Netherlands, and then to Southampton, so everything the same. I asked him a lot.
“Also I spoke with Taki (Minamino) and Clasie. They only say positive things about Southampton, for example the people who work for Southampton are just nice people.
“I like to talk with people with a smile. I have good things to come here, so I am very happy to be here and I appreciate them to know good things about Southampton.”
An infectious character, Sugawara is keen to improve his already competent English, and hopes to thrill the Saints fans with his attacking approach on the pitch.
“I speak English just a little bit so I have to learn first, but I want to communicate with teammates more and want to enjoy time in the locker room,” he added.
“I usually play as a right-back, but I like to attack. My strong point is to make some difference in attack and in the box, and the last pass – to assist and score – because I am focused on numbers. I like to play with the ball.
“Also defending, I just fight to defend the goal and win the game. I am ready to fight!”
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