Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa insists the only way is up for him personally despite winning a Premier League winners medal in his debut season with Manchester United.
The 24-year-old arrived from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund for a believed £12million last summer and played 26 times for the Red Devils last season.
Although delighted at winning the title in an injury-hit season, Kagawa insists there is more to come from him at Old Trafford and is determined to improve.
“It was a tough time for me with a lot going on in my head,” he told the official Premier League website. “I am not happy with my performance for the team at all.
“I didn’t score that much and I also had my injury. Despite that, it was great we won the league – I just don’t feel that I achieved everything that I wanted.
“For me personally, it wasn’t a good season. I always have an image in my mind of how I want to play, wherever the position.
“Whenever there is a tough time, whenever it gets difficult for me, I just train and look ahead to the future.”
Versatile Kagawa started life at Old Trafford promisingly, but suffered an ankle injury during a Champions League tie with Braga, ruling him out for two months.
He returned to United’s first-team fold this January, scoring his first hat-trick in English football in a home victory over Norwich City in March.
The Japanese international also scored the opening goal in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game as United boss in a thrilling ten-goal draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
Image courtesy of MUTV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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