Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa has unfinished business at Borussia Dortmund after a fruitless two-year stint with Manchester United came to an end on Sunday.
Kagawa rejoined his former club on a four-year deal having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 but never quite reaching the heights he hit in Germany that helped catch the ex-United manager’s eye.
Kagawa made 57 appearances and scored six goals at United, including a hat-trick against Norwich, though he feels there is much better to come.
“I said on the day of my departure that my story with Borussia Dortmund was not completed,” Kagawa told Dortmund’s official website.
“I wanted to realise my Premier League dream but now I’m happy to be back in Dortmund, in this great team, the unique environment. Dortmund is like a family.
“I am proud they have never forgotten me and I can belong again.”
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc said when you have the opportunity to sign someone of Kagawa’s ilk you do not delay.
“The chance presented itself over the last few days to make the signing of Shinji Kagawa from Manchester United,” he said.
“Of course we chose to sign this quality player again.”
Kagawa became the first Japanese player to win the Premier League when United finished top in the 2012/13 season though he slowly fell down the pecking order.
Manager Louis van Gaal gave him one substitute appearance this season in their 4-0 thrashing against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
However Kagawa’s departure is likely to go unnoticed after the recent arrival of fellow winger Angel Di Maria.
Main image courtesy of Borussia Dortmund via YouTube, with thanks.
