Picture Credit: Twitter
The 2022 summer transfer window is in full swing and the football fraternity is already amazed to see some interesting moves from footballers. In the latest development, Japanese captain Maya Yoshida got stunned by a report about his new association with German club FC Schalke. Notably, Schalke signed Japan captain on Tuesday reportedly to bolster its defence and strengthen the squad for next season.
The 33-year-old central defender, who earlier left Sampdoria at the end of June, has agreed to a one-year deal with the option of a one-year extension. Schalke's sporting director Rouven Schroder has welcomed the Japanese defender by stating him a 'true leader' and hailed his physical, and mental qualities.
While Maya Yoshida was delighted to join FC Schalke, he was equally surprised and stumped to see an Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano's transfer update which also revealed that the footballer has rejected the offers of many clubs including Trabzonspor.
Taking to Twitter, Fabrizio Romano wrote, "Schalke 04 are set to sign Japanese centre back Maya Yoshida on a free transfer. Been told he’s gonna fly to Germany tomorrow to undergo a medical test. Schalke going to continue their Japanese era - Maya Yoshida turned down many offers, including Trabzonspor." In response to Romano's update, Maya Yoshida expressed his shock by commenting, "This guy is incredible… even my wife didn’t know about Trabzonspor." Check out the post below.
"Maya's footballing physical and mental qualities will enable him to take on an important role in our team. He has proved to them he is a true leader during his tenure with Italy, England, Japan and Netherlands. We are confident that he will keep us in the Bundesliga," Schroder said.
Responding to his association with the Bundesliga club, Maya Yashoda has reportedly said that he is delighted to get a chance to wear the FC Schalke 04 shirt and looking forward to meeting his teammates, the coaching staff and the fans.
"I attended a match at the VELTINS-Arena many years ago, back when Atsuto Uchida was playing right-back and I have also followed the Bundesliga with a great interest for a long time. Therefore, I am pleased to finally become part of the club," he added.