Ina would welcome Hide in England
If anyone doubts that Hidetoshi Nakata would be a success in the English Premier League, then just listen to Junichi Inamoto.
Ina, of course, has spent the last two European seasons in England, first with Arsenal and then with Fulham, where he will stay next season on loan from Gamba Osaka.
With reports circulating that Nakata is about to sign for Chelsea, or Arsenal or Manchester United, I took the opportunity to ask Ina about the situation at a recent training camp in Osaka.
The interview was conducted totally in English (apart from some bad Japanese from the interviewer!)
"Would Hide be a success in the Premier League, Ina-chan-san?"
"Yes, definitely," replied Ina.
"Why do you think he would be a success?"
"Because he is a very good player, and he has had good results in the Italian league," said Ina.
"Would he be okay in the fast and physical Premier League?"
"No problem, because his style is like the Premiership," said Ina.
"Would you like him to move to England?"
"Of course, because the Premiership is a fantastic league with good fans. I hope he is successful in the Premiership," concluded Ina.
After five years in Italy, Nakata looks ready to leave for new pastures.
I have to agree with Ina, that Nakata would have no problems adapting to the rough and tumble Premier League.
Nakata is fast, tough, fearless and can play in a variety of positions.
In the absence of Shinji Ono through injury, Nakata looks to be from another planet compared to the rest of the national team.
He is a mature and responsible leader, and is a fitness fanatic. Even when the starting members were excused training the day after the Argentina game in Osaka, Nakata still turned up to jog around the pitch several times and do his stretching exercises.
Although Chelsea is the favorite to sign him, I would not rule out a move to....yes, Manchester United.
Just think about it. United sell Beckham to Real Madrid or Barcelona for 30 million pounds, then buy Hide from Parma for 10 million pounds.
United get not only an excellent squad player, for the right wing, for central midfield or behind Van Nistelrooy, but also a player whose brand name can generate millions of dollars around the Far East, where United are massive in places such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
In terms of football and business, Nakata would be perfect for United.
ends
The comments to this entry are closed.
Comments