Football: Takumi Minamino returns to Monaco the year of the World Cup
Takumi Minamino, who is expected to play a key role for Japan at the World Cup in Qatar from November, left English giants Liverpool over the summer in search of regular playing time – at Monaco where he had tried it when he was a teenager.
On the eve of his 27th birthday, the striker is determined to shine in the principality where his dream of succeeding in Europe began to take shape.
“I thought I wanted to play here one day,” Minamino said when introduced this month by his new French Ligue 1 club, with whom he trained for two weeks at the age of 16. years, when he was part of Cerezo Osaka’s youth team.
Monaco’s Takumi Minamino (R) holds up his new shirt during a presentation ceremony on July 20, 2022, in La Turbie, France. (Essonne info)
“The football went well, but I couldn’t speak English or French at the time and I have a lonely memory of not being able to communicate with the other players. »
“But it also made me think about what I would need to adapt to playing abroad, like learning other languages and cultures. »
Minamino joined Red Bull Salzburg just before turning 20 in January 2015 and won five consecutive Austrian league titles before catching the eye of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a League game champions in October 2019.
Last season was Minamino’s best on Merseyside, with Liverpool winning both domestic cups, with Minamino as top scorer in each competition.
He also had an impact in the league, but in the penultimate Premier League encounter that saw Liverpool stay in an epic title chase with Manchester City until the final day.
“It was a very good, unforgettable experience,” Minamino said of his time at Liverpool and under Klopp. “I won a few titles with him and with wonderful teammates”.
Monaco’s Takumi Minamino (C) dribbles during a pre-season friendly match against Inter Milan on July 16, 2022 in Ferrara, Italy. (For editorial use only)(Essonne Info)
“I wasn’t in a position where I could always play of course, but I really felt that he (Klopp) sent me on the pitch with 100% confidence when he did, and I wanted to contribute. for him and the team because of it. It was a wonderful relationship. »
Minamino said Monaco’s desire to sign him was the main factor behind his move.
“Monaco was the first club to approach me,” he said. “I felt that I wanted to build a new career in this wonderful team”.
Minamino has vowed to keep scoring for Monaco, who start their season with a Champions League qualifying first leg at home to PSV Eindhoven on August 2, before facing Strasbourg four days later in their Ligue 1 debut .
“I want as many goals and assists as possible. I think that’s what is expected the most of me,” Minamino said. “I believe that I will be considered an experienced player within the team. I want to help my teammates approach the big games, act as a calming figure and bring a positive influence to the team, starting in daily training. »
“I feel more comfortable playing behind the striker, but I can play on both flanks and as a striker too. I enjoy any attacking position I find myself in. »
Japan’s Takumi Minamino (C) controls the ball during an international friendly match against Brazil on June 6, 2022 at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Essonne info)
Minamino, who has been used mainly on the left wing by manager Hajime Moriyasu, plans to bring his club performances to the big tournament in Qatar.
“I think I’m in great shape for the World Cup, but first I want to commit to Monaco, give everything I have and make my contribution,” he said.
“If I can continue like this, I think I can naturally go to the World Cup on a good run of form.”