Premier League champions Manchester City make their first visit to Japan! What are the impressions of Japan from three key players?

"Our philosophy is to win every match," says Manchester City legend Paul Dickoff.A talk session by Yasuhiro Hato was held.

The three players who participated in the event that day were Kevin De Bruyne, a Belgian international who plays for Manchester City, and Raheem Sterling and John Stones, both England internationals.

  ――3Regarding the players' first impressions of Japan... 




De Bruyne:This is my first time in Tokyo, and it's such a beautiful and wonderful city. I'm so glad I was able to come. If I have time, I'd like to look around. I love Japanese food, especially sushi! I'd love to try authentic sushi.



Stones:Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm glad that we were able to conclude our tour, which took us through China and Hong Kong, in the wonderful city of Tokyo.



Sterling:I'll arrive in Japan late the night before and have to leave immediately after the match. I'd like to experience different cultures, but I don't have much time, so it might be difficult this time.

Next, the three players sincerely answered questions submitted in advance by fans. 


――A question for Kevin De Bruyne: You've been performing remarkably well since moving to Manchester City. What do you think is the reason for that? 



De Bruyne:I'm in my fifth year at Manchester City, and we've won the Premier League title for the past two years. I think I'm playing for a fantastic team.

When I first joined the team, I was considered a "young player," but I'm gradually becoming one of the older players on the team, so I'm a little scared.

Personally, I want to continue playing for this team for a long time and grow as a player.

――Are there any other things you're really into besides soccer? 



Sterling:When I have free time, I lie in bed or go outside and relax. Otherwise, I watch TV or play table tennis.

De Bruyne:Like many of you, I have two young children, so I have to make sure they have fun on my days off.

Stones:Outside of the sports field, I try to spend time with my daughter. We mostly relax at home together, watching TV or doing other things.



 
――What is important for becoming a professional soccer player? 

Stones:First and foremost, it's important to enjoy playing soccer from a young age. If you receive good advice, put it to good use and dedicate yourself fully to the sport.



DJ Ketchup's lively banter enlivened the venue.

――What are your impressions of Japanese soccer? 

Stones:I don't watch Japan's J.League very often, but I think the Japanese national football team plays good football.

De Bruyne:I'm not an expert on Japanese soccer, but I know that Vissel Kobe has a Spanish player, and that many Japanese players also play in Germany.

And, although this may not be good news for everyone, we played against the Japanese national team in last year's World Cup in Russia, so I think we have a good environment in place.

—The Japanese were disappointed because you run so fast, you know? (laughs) You're too fast!(De Bruyne set up the third goal that secured Belgium's victory.)

De Bruyne:I'm sorry (lol)

Everyone in the venue:Hilarious



――What are your goals for this season, and your personal goals?

Sterling:First of all, I'm trying to forget about the past two seasons in which we won the championship and focus on the new season.

The clubs we've competed against for the championship in the past will undoubtedly be focusing on our matches, so it will be an even tougher battle. We want to be properly prepared and ready for the season.

Stones:I want to play at an even higher level than before, and improve as a team.

It's a tough goal, and there's a lot of pressure, but I believe we can continue to win titles next season and qualify for the Champions League.

De Bruyne:Personally, my goal is to avoid injuries. As a team, our goal is to win as many matches as possible, or even win all of them.

Last year, we managed to win four out of the five titles. I think it will be a very difficult challenge, but the team has been working for several weeks now with the goal of winning all five.


 
Afterwards, a photo session with enthusiastic supporters, some of whom said they had been lining up since 9 AM the previous day, and a gift giveaway were held, bringing the highly successful event to a close.

The 2019-2020 Premier League season, in which all eyes are on Manchester City's bid for a third consecutive title, kicks off on August 10th. Expectations are already high for the exciting matches to come.

"Our philosophy is to win every match," says Manchester City legend Paul Dickoff.A talk session by Yasuhiro Hato was held.