“Manchester (United) was the club that I most wanted to go to.”

With World Cup qualifiers against Jordan and Australia out of the way, Shinji Kagawa has finally opened up about his impending move to Old Trafford.

With a deal reached last week, Kagawa preferred to remain quiet and focus on the task at hand with Japan. But with 4 points secured from the 2 games, Kagawa has spoken on the huge task that he faces in succeeding at Old Trafford and how he ended up at Old Trafford.

Kagawa told reporters after the game against Australia:

“No doubt, it will truly be a big challenge for me, and I realise that mistakes will not be tolerated.

“I have to work harder than ever. I have to take this step with that sort of resolve.”

There was a much publicised meeting between Kagawa and Sir Alex in Manchester following Dortmund’s 5-2 win against Bayern Munich in the German Cup and Kagawa confirmed that helped make up his mind. Sir Alex told him that the move would be a big one but that he could trust him:

“I was grateful to hear that from such a great person.”

Contrary to some fan’s belief, United did face competition for Kagawa’s signature with Chelsea as well as Arsenal and AC Milan sniffing around the midfielder, but ultimately it was United that Kagawa wanted to join:

“Manchester (United) was the club that I most wanted to go to.”