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Morgan Gibbs-White 'determined to join Tottenham' after Nottingham Forest 'fail with new contract offers'

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Morgan Gibbs-White 'determined to join Tottenham' after Nottingham Forest 'fail with new contract offers' - London Evening Standard
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Spurs last week triggered Gibbs-White's release clause and the player was due to undergo a medical at the club on Friday, only for the deal to be thrown into significant doubt.

Forest are unhappy with Tottenham's approach, claiming Spurs were never granted permission to speak to Gibbs-White, and have this week lodged a formal complaint to the Premier League.

Forest are desperate to keep hold of Gibbs-White, having already allowed Anthony Elanga join Newcastle in a £55m deal. Wolves hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Gibbs-White, which would further reduce Forest’s windfall.

Spurs had hoped to add Gibbs-White to Thomas Frank's squad before the start of pre-season, with a debut pencilled in for Saturday's first friendly of the summer at Reading.

But the delay has instead seen Gibbs-White report for pre-season duty with Forest on Monday, with a photo of the player arriving posted on the club's social media channels. The midfielder is also believed to have arrived for training on Tuesday.

The Times report that Gibbs-White is ready for a new challenge and is keen to play in the Champions League. Forest looked set to qualify for the competition only for a late-season collapse, which saw them win just two of their last eight Premier League games and drop from third to seventh.

The same report adds that the Premier League has not given a timeline for when the Gibbs-White case will be concluded.

The Sun and Sky Sports both claim that Forest have for a year attempted to tie Gibbs-White down to a new contract, with a view to increasing or even removing his release clause, but the player is not interested, and is keen to join Spurs.

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC close to Gyokeres signing; Madueke medical; Mosquera talks; Chelsea, Man Utd latest

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal near Gyokeres agreement; Madueke to sign; Man Utd latest - London Evening Standard
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Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal close to Gyokeres signing; Madueke medical; Mosquera talks; Chelsea, Man Utd latest

Clubs closing in on some major deals as transfer business ramps up

Transfer talk: Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera could all be on the move to Arsenal this summer

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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Transfer news LIVE!

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs stepping up their transfer business ahead of the new Premier League season. Though it is the Gunners who appear to be in store for a massive week as they near an agreement with Sporting to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is on the verge of completing his move to north London from Chelsea and the club are also targeting Eberechi Eze and Cristhian Mosquera.

Newly-crowned world champions Chelsea are interested in Morgan Rogers and Gianluigi Donnarumma, but could offload Nicolas Jackson as they prepare for a mass clear out of unwanted players. Manchester United are being linked with Jackson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they look to finally wrap up the signing of Bryan Mbeumo.

Tottenham, who added Mohammed Kudus to their ranks last week, remain confident of signing Morgan Gibbs-White despite Nottingham Forest reportedly considering legal action against Spurs over their interest in the midfielder and Marcus Rashford remains a target for Barcelona. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

Grealish declares love for Man City

Jack Grealish has reiterated his love for Manchester City amid speculation linking him with a move away this summer.

Grealish is expected to be moved on after playing a bit-part role last season, prompting likes with the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and others.

But, speaking at the Oasis gig in Manchester on Friday, he made clear where his desires lie.

He said: "I love Man City more than anything, and you know what I love more than anything, City fans, they're the best fans in the world."

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Gyokeres names his three favourite Arsenal players amid transfer talks

Viktor Gyokeres has named the three Arsenal players he has been most impressed by as the Sporting striker attempts to force a summer move to the Gunners.

Gyokeres was not asked directly by Arsenal during an interview with L’Equipe, but took up the opportunity to name-check some of his possible future team-mates when asked if any players have impressed him of late.

"Yes, definitely," he replied. "Especially at English clubs. “Midfielders like Bernardo Silva and [Mateo] Kovacic at [Manchester] City, or [Bukayo] Saka at Arsenal are impressive to watch.

"I’ve also faced very high-level defenders, like [Arsenal duo] Gabriel and [William] Saliba. It's a chance to play against those kinds of players."

Read more here!

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Bissouma tells Tottenham he wants to stay

Yves Bissouma has told Tottenham he wishes to stay at the club this summer.

The midfielder had been attracting interest from the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Fenerbahce after an underwhelming season at Spurs.

But according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bissouma is not interested in leaving Spurs unless it is for a Premier League team.

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Real Madrid weigh up huge bid for Liverpool star

Real Madrid are considering launching a €100million bid for Alexis Mac Allister.

Xabi Alonso, according to Fichjaes, is a huge fan of the Argentine midfielder and wants to bring him to the Bernabeu.

Real want to spend big on him, although any offer hinges on the future of Rodrgyo, and whether Madrid can sell him.

According to the report, Mac Allister is open to joining Real.

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Madueke lands back in England ahead of Arsenal medical

Noni Madueke has landed back in England ahead of undergoing a medical with Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Chelsea winger has flown from the United States, leaving the Blues squad ahead of Sunday’s Club World Cup final, to finalise his move to the Gunners.

Madueke is set to become the second Chelsea player to join Arsenal this summer, after Kepa Arrizabalaga.

A deal worth £52million was agreed between the two clubs earlier this week.

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Chelsea offered hope over Donnarumma deal

Chelsea have an interest in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Ahead of the two teams facing each other in Sunday's Club World Cup final, L'Equipe have detailed the Blues' interest in Donnarumma - considered among the best, if not he best, goalkeepers in the world.

Donnarumma is in the final year of his contract at PSG, but is keen to sign a contract extension despite plenty of interest from elsewhere.

PSG have offered the goalkeeper a new contract, but it would represent a pay cut as a third of the deal is based on a "variable" such as amount of games played.

Chelsea are the only club credited with interest at this time, despite talk of interest elsewhere.

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Douglas Luiz wants Tottenham move as West Ham lodge loan bid

West Ham are leading the race to sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus, despite interest from Tottenham.

Juventus are keen to offload the former Aston Villa midfielder, and are open to loan offer with an obligation to buy.

Gazzetta dello Sport report this morning that Luiz is keen to return to the Premier League, a year on from leaving in a deal worth £42.35m (50m), and West Ham is therefore an attractive proposition.

Juve are keen to recoup as much of their outlay as possible and have slapped a €40m price tag on Luiz, and are in negotiations with West Ham over a loan fee of €10m plus an obligation to buy for around €30m.

However, TBR Football add that Luiz would rather move to Tottenham, who are currently assessing the financials behind a move for the 27-year-old.

Spurs also reportedly hold interest in Joao Palhinha, whose move from Fulham to Bayern Munich a year ago has not worked out.

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Man City join race for £34m-rated Wesley

Manchester City have joined the race for Flamengo right-back Wesley.

With Kyle Walker leaving permanently in a shock move to Burnley, Pep Guardiola is on the look out for a new right-back.

Roma were in pole position to snap up the 22-year-old Brazilian, having agreed personal terms ahead of a bid worth around €25million.

But now City have entered the fold, which means Flamengo can create a bidding war as they look to get closer to €40m (£34m) for Wesley.

That's according to Terra, who add that Liverpool and Manchester United have monitored the player's situation.

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'Key day' for Arsenal as Gyokeres takes biggest step yet to force move

Viktor Gyokeres is now considered on strike at Sporting to force his move to Arsenal.

The Athletic report that the striker is due to report to training on Friday, July 11, after being given an extended break by the Portuguese champions amid ongoing talks about his future.

However, he did not show and has now reportedly been told he must join the rest of the squad on Saturday, July 12. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on Saturday morning that today is a “key day in the Viktor Gyokeres saga”.

Portuguese outlet Record earlier this week reported that Gyokeres was expected to remain in Sweden, where he has spent part of his off-season. That would risk disciplinary action from his current club.

Read more here!

London Standard

Spurs expect Romero to stay this summer

Tottenham now expect Cristian Romero to stay at the club this summer.

Atletico Madrid were keen to sign the player, and made no secret of their desire, but never mustered a bid and no talks are ongoing or expected.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, following The Athletic’s report that Atletico have decided to end their pursuit of the Argentina international.

it is now understood that Spurs will now try to tie Romero to a new contract.

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Tottenham remain interested in Yoane Wissa as Brentford reject £20m Nottingham Forest bid

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Tottenham remain interested in Wissa as Brentford reject £20m Forest bid - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham remain interested in signing Yoane Wissa this summer as Brentford reject a bid in the region of £20million from Nottingham Forest for the striker.

Forest have reignited their interest in Wissa after seeing a bid worth around £22m rejected in January. Their latest offer falls below that figure.

Spurs enquired about Wissa earlier this summer and were told by Brentford that a fee of at least £50m would be required. There has been no contact between the clubs in two weeks, but Standard Sport understands that the 28-year-old remains a target.

Spurs have already spent £51m on turning loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso into permanent deals, and earlier this week, young Japanese defender Kota Takai joined for £5m.

Mohamed Kudus was on Thursday confirmed as Spurs’ fourth summer signing, arriving from West Ham in a £55m deal, and Morgan Gibbs-White is set to undergo a medical at Hotspur Way after his £60m release clause was triggered.

Forest want to reinvest that fee, along with the £52m Newcastle are set to spend on Anthony Elanga, in bolstering their attacking options, prompting return interest in Wissa.

The Congolese forward struck up a fearsome partnership with Bryan Mbeumo last season, contributing to 39 of the Bees' 66 league goals, but the latter is expected to depart this summer, with Manchester United weighing up a third bid for the 25-year-old after seeing an improved offer worth around £62m rejected.

Brentford are adamant they will not sell both Wissa and Mbeumo this summer unless the price is too good to turn down. Brentford have already lost long-serving head coach Thomas Frank and captain Christian Norgaard to Tottenham and Arsenal, respectively.

In a summer of change for the Bees, Keith Andrews has been appointed as head coach, after a year as set-piece coach, and named Neil Macfarlane, Mehmet Ali and Martin Drury as assistant first-team coaches.

They've also added Antoni Milmabo, Caoimhin Kelleher and Michael Kayode, who signed permanently after a six-month loan from Fiorentina, to their ranks and are set to announce the arrival of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson on a free transfer.

Mohammed Kudus explains why he only wanted Tottenham and sends exciting message to supporters

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Mohammed Kudus speaks on why he 'only wanted Spurs' as fans get exciting message - London Evening Standard
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Kudus became Spurs’ third major signing - after Mathys Tel and Kota Takai - under new head coach Thomas Frank as his £55m transfer from West Ham was finalised on Thursday.

In the announcement video on Tottenham’s official X account, formerly Twitter, a statement reads: “He only wanted Spurs. Welcome to North London, Mohammed Kudus.”

This is perhaps in relation to the Ghana international being linked with a move to Chelsea, in particular, prior to sealing a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Nevertheless, Kudus is delighted with the move, citing the chance to develop under Frank was one of the key reasons behind his decision to join Spurs.

He said: “One of the most important parts of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees it, and to develop under him.

“With the history of where he’s come from, I’ve seen the amount of talent he’s developed to become great players. It’s a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well.

“I’m very team-orientated so my personal goals are around helping the team get as many points as we can, to be as high as we can in the Premier League and perform really well and go as far as we can in the Champions League.”

Kudus is coming off a mixed season with West Ham where he only scored five Premier League goals in 32 appearances. Though he is eager to show Spurs fans the best of him.

“I’m a very direct winger, strong, very good in taking players on and creating chances, so there is a lot of flair in my game,” he added.

“I like to entertain the fans as well. That’s what football is about – it’s putting a memory in the heads of the fans that they have when they go back home, and after the money they’ve spent to buy a ticket.

“Although there is also a lot of seriousness and competitiveness in the game, I still think it’s a sport I try to enjoy as much as I can and give the fans something to enjoy too.

Tottenham: Mohammed Kudus shirt number confirmed after £55m transfer is finalised

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Tottenham confirm Mohammed Kudus shirt number after £55m transfer - London Evening Standard
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The Ghana international was officially unveiled as a Spurs player on Wednesday after a £55m deal was agreed with London rivals West Ham earlier in the week.

Kudus has impressed in the Premier League ever since arriving in England from Ajax a couple of summers ago, scoring 13 goals and weighing in with 12 assists in 65 appearances.

Linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, Kudus has explained why Spurs were the only club for him.

“One of the most important parts of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees it, and to develop under him,” he said. “With the history of where he’s come from, I’ve seen the amount of talent he’s developed to become great players.

“I’m very team-orientated so my personal goals are around helping the team get as many points as we can, to be as high as we can in the Premier League and perform really well and go as far as we can in the Champions League.”

Now, it has been confirmed that Kudus will wear No20 for Tottenham, which had previously been worn by Fraser Forster prior to his release at the end of last month.

Kudus had the same number at Ajax and he often wears No20 for the Ghana national team, although he wore No14 throughout his two seasons at the London Stadium.

The 23-year-old isn’t expected to be the final arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer as the club have activated Morgan Gibbs-White's £60m release clause in his Nottingham Forest contract.

Mohammed Kudus: Tottenham complete £55million deal for West Ham winger

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Tottenham sign Kudus in £55m deal from West Ham - London Evening Standard
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The winger becomes the fifth arrival of the Thomas Frank reign in north London after Spurs agreed a £55million deal with the Hammers.

Kudus had initially reported back for pre-season in east London, but the move materialised quickly and he now finds himself a new home in the capital.

The Ghanaian signed for West Ham back in 2023 from Ajax for £38m, and he made 32 appearances in the top flight last term, scoring five and assisting three times.

Kudus also becomes the first player since Scott Parker in 2011 to make the move from West Ham to Spurs.

Standard Sport previously reported that Kudus had an £85m release clause in his contract at the London Stadium for English clubs, although Tottenham have managed to negotiate the fee down.

Spurs were handed a boost when Ghana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, which means that they won’t lose Kudus mid-season, unlike many top clubs, who will be forced to let some of their star names depart to take part in the tournament.

Tottenham get surprise Mohammed Kudus boost as Spurs close in on statement deal

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Tottenham get surprise Kudus boost as Spurs close in on statement deal - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham will avoid the disruption of losing Mohammed Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations next season.

Spurs are closing in on a £55million deal to sign Kudus from West Ham and the forward is due to undergo a medical on Thursday.

Kudus is set to become the first player to join Spurs from West Ham since Scott Parker in 2011, and Thomas Frank will be boosted by having him available all next season.

Ghana's shock failure to qualify for AFCON means Kudus will not feature at the tournament which runs for around four weeks between December and January.

That will be good news for Spurs at a time when Liverpool will lose Mohamed Salah, Manchester City will lose Omar Marmoush, Chelsea will lose Nicolas Jackson and Manchester United could lose Bryan Mbeumo should be join from Brentford.

Kudus managed only four goals in all competitions last season and served a five-game ban after being sent off against Spurs in October, when he clashed with Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr.

But Spurs have targeted the 24-year-old as Frank bids to strengthen his forward line.

West Ham were prepared to sell Kudus, who was deemed their most sellable asset, and his exit is set to kick-start their summer transfer plans as Graham Potter plots new signings.

Spurs have also explored a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who is valued at £50m.

The 'big wish' Tottenham have already granted Thomas Frank to take squad to 'next level'

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The 'big wish' Tottenham have already granted Thomas Frank to take squad to 'next level' - London Evening Standard
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The new head coach made a key demand during the interview process

Genie: Thomas Frank and Johan Lange

Tottenham Hotspur/YouTube

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Thomas Frank says Tottenham granted his “big wish” of appointing a specialist individual coach to his backroom team.

Frank has finished assembling his coaching staff at Spurs after being hired this summer to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Among those brought in to work with Frank is Cameron Campbell, who takes up the role of ‘first team individual development coach’.

Frank has revealed he pushed for the appointment as he believes it is an area underutilised by clubs and Spurs can benefit from it.

“We have added Cameron Campbell, that is an individual coach, big on how we develop the players,” said Frank.

“And that was a big wish from both Johan [Lange, Spurs’ technical director] and I, and it is something we talked about, that we thought was crucial.

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“I think not many clubs have actually nailed that. We tried in the past, so hopefully we can take it to the next level.”

Training: Brandon Austin and Cameron Campbell

Tottenham Hotspur/YouTube

Frank will have three assistants at Tottenham, with Andreas Georgson and Justin Cochrane joining Matt Wells.

Cochrane and Georgson both worked with Frank at Brentford, while Wells remains in his post after being part of Postecoglou’s coaching team.

“Justin Cochrane comes from Brentford, who worked with me before,” said Frank.

“He will be in charge of the offensive part of the game and then some training planning, and get that running smoothly.

“Then we have got Andreas Georgson from Man United, but I also worked with him previously at Brentford. He will be assistant coach, but a main focus on set-pieces and restarts.

“Then we have Matt Wells, who will be responsible for the defensive part of the game and also contribute to training.

“I think the way they have split the roles is really good in covering all the abilities we would like to have.”

Back at it: Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro in Tottenham training

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Tottenham have begun pre-season training after the first group of players returned last weekend for testing.

Those involved in international matches last month are not back yet, with Frank excited to get the whole group together before a friendly with Reading next week.

“I want everyone in, really compare them against each other,” Frank added. “See how the mix is, how is the relationship.

“Of course, I know the group in terms of looking from the outside - but it is different when you are on the inside and you work with them, you feel them, you understand them better.

“And we all have our own views on certain players or relationships, and it is up to me to find that perfect combination that makes the team perform on the highest possible level.

“It has been good [so far]. We had the first session on grass today, a lot of testing on Saturday.

“So it has been good to have them out. That’s the fun bit, that is where we try to effect things - good effort, good mentality, happy.”

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Tottenham striker out of Thomas Frank's plans leaves club for third time

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Tottenham striker out of Frank's plans leaves club for third time - London Evening Standard
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Alejo Veliz will leave Tottenham on loan for a third time since he joined the club back in 2023.

The Argentine was bought by the north Londoners from Rosario Central two years ago on a six-year deal worth around £13million.

However, the striker has failed to make an impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and has since been shipped out temporarily twice.

First, the now-21-year-old moved to Sevilla, although he made just six appearances for the La Liga outfit, not scoring any goals.

Next, he was at Espanyol, where he played 24 times, but scored just the once.

Now, he finds himself moving back to his home country, returning to Rosario for a third spell away from Spurs.

Veliz became Rosario’s record sale when he moved to England in 2023, and he returns to the club with a point to prove and a goalscoring knack to rediscover.

In 59 games for Central, he scored 19 times, and he has three goals in eight appearances for Argentina’s under-20 side.

There is no buy clause for Rosario to trigger should they wish to bring Veliz back permanently, although it would appear that the forward does not have a future in north London.

Thomas Frank took over as Spurs’ new head coach from Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer, and while Veliz reported back to Spurs’ training ground for pre-season, he is not in the Dane’s plans.

“Having joined us from the Primera Division side in August, 2023, Alejo has made eight senior appearances in our colours to date, scoring once.

Kota Takai: New Tottenham defender reveals best quality ahead of potential weekend debut

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Kota Takai reveals best quality after completing £5m Spurs switch - London Evening Standard
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Takai is regarded as one of Japan’s most promising talents, and was named Japan’s Young Player of the Year in 2024. Still just 20 years old, he already has four senior international caps to his name and is expected to play a first-team role under Thomas Frank next season.

Speaking publicly for the first time since signing, the defender highlighted his positional versatility and wealth of early-career experience as his best attributes.

"My position is centre-back,” he explained, speaking in his native Japanese via Tottenham’s Instagram page. “I can play either side - right or left.”

He was promoted to Kawasaki Frontale’s first team in 2022, debuting in an 8-0 win over Guangzhou shortly after. Already with 60 senior league appearances to his name - the most recent of which came just three days ago - he is prepared to hit the ground running in N17.

"I played in the match with Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League on Saturday and I got on the plane the next day and I'm here today, now.

He added that the J-League’s quality had prepared him well for life in England: "The J-League has very high intensity, and its level is high. I won the Young Player Award last year and I was very happy.

“I joined Team Japan. It was always my dream. I remember I had goosebumps when I went on the pitch for the first team as part of the national team.”

A lifelong Premier League fan, he is looking forward to making his Lilywhites debut, which could come as early as next Saturday as Spurs face Reading in their first preseason friendly.

"I've always watched the Premier League a lot, since I was little. At Spurs, my first aim is to be on the pitch for a match and do my best.

"I was born in Kanagawa, Japan. I've always played football since my childhood. The reason why I love football is because as a team we can improve our skills together.”