United’s Shinji Kagawa wants to emulate his former team in next season’s competition.
Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa has revealed that the success of his former side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League has inspired him to do better next season.
Kagawa signed from Dortmund in the summer of 2012 for £12million, on the back of Jurgen Klopp’s side winning their second successive Bundesliga title.
Despite losing out to fellow finalists Bayern Munich in the league this year, Klopp’s team have been a force in the Champions League – progressing from a group that included Manchester City and Real Madrid and then beating Madrid over two-legs in the semi finals.
This success has given inspiration to the Japan international and after an indifferent first season at Old Trafford, Kagawa wants to bring European glory to the club next year.
“I want to play better in the Champions League next season because I’ve been inspired to see Dortmund make it to the final,” the 24-year-old was quoted in the Sun.
“I was encouraged to know there is a chance for me to be on the big stage with United.
“I expect it will be an exciting match and I hope Dortmund will be European champions.”
Kagawa played three times in United’s Champions League campaign in 2012/13, providing two assists before the Red Devils were knocked out of the competition in the last-16 by Madrid.
The Japanese midfielder made 23 other appearances for his new side, netting six Premier League goals in an injury-struck season.
The former-Dortmund player will be playing under new manager David Moyes next season, following the retirement of stalwart Sir Alex Ferguson and Kagawa will be aiming to deliver the Champions League trophy to the Scot in his debut campaign.
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