Shinji Kagawa confirms he wants to leave Borussia Dortmund for La Liga

The Japanese international returned to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United four years ago

Shinji Kagawa has confirmed he is interested in leaving Borussia Dortmund for a second time and is eager to move to Spain.

Kagawa first joined Borussia Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, leaving for Manchester United two years later. Having moved back to the Bundesliga club in 2014, the Japanese international has been unable to reclaim his place after injury cut short his 2017/18 campaign.

Determined to return to playing regular first-team football, Kagawa has told Nikkan Sports that he’s aware a move away from Westfalenstadion may be necessary to make this happen and that a transfer to Spain is of particular interest.

“I want to solve the current situation as soon as possible,” he said. “One way is to change the team. I want to change the environment and the challenge.

“I have played in Dortmund and Manchester United, no matter what country I go to, I will not be afraid.

“I have been thinking about how I can go to Spain in the last couple of years. I can’t retire without going to Spain.

“This is the most important challenge in my career.”

With little contribution from Kagawa, Dortmund currently top the Bundesliga. Their 2-1 win at Mainz at the weekend means they currently have 30 points from their first 12 games – enough for them to be four points clear of second place Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Bayern Munich, the reigning German champions, lost more ground on Dortmund at the weekend after conceding a stoppage time equaliser to Fortuna Düsseldorf. They currently sit fifth – nine points behind Lucien Favre’s side.