In the Borussia Dortmund jersey, Shinji Kagawa thrilled the masses between 2010 and 2012 and, with some cutbacks, between 2014 and the end of 2018, but apart from BVB, the Japanese never really found happiness. Now he dares a surprising new beginning.
The Belgian first division club VV St. Truiden announced on Monday that they have signed the midfielder. Previously, Kagawa had tried in vain at Besiktas, Real Saragossa and most recently PAOK Saloniki to build on old heydays.
“I made the decision to move to STVV. My purpose is to share my experience and to help the team achieve its goals,” the 32-year-old is quoted in a statement from the club.
Kagawa can count on his experience at table 13. among other things, pass it on to some compatriots as well as table footballers known from German football. Kagawa is the seventh Japanese on the team. In addition, Gladbach talent Rocco Reitz is currently lacing up his shoes on loan from the Belgians. The former HSV defender Toni Leistner also acts as captain, while ex-Werder player Robert Bauer romps in midfield. The coach, Bernd Hollerbach, also has a strong connection to North German football.
Kagawa only performed at top performance at BVB
Hollerbach was active for Hamburger SV for a long time, and he led VfL Wolfsburg as assistant coach to the German championship. Now Hollerbach should raise Kagawa back to his old level of performance.
While Kagawa was in the second Spanish division for a long time in the 2019/2020 permanent staff, he did not manage at all at his last station in Greece. After nine competitive games, the contract was dissolved again. The ex-national player proved again and again that he can do more when he kicked the ball for Borussia Dortmund.
Sint-Truidense can at least use one or the other stroke of genius. Currently they are only one point away from the relegation ranks.
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