Gamba loan Japan's Usami to Bayern - 7M sport

Gamba loan Japan's Usami to Bayern



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Posted Monday, June 27, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have snapped up highly rated Japanese teenage striker Takashi Usami on a loan deal from J-League side Gamba Osaka.

The 19-year-old, who is being touted as one of Japan's brightest prospects, will begin a one-year term with Bayern next month and is expected to arrive in Munich on July 15.

"Bayern Munich is one of the world's top clubs," Usami said at a press conference on Monday. "I know it will be tough to get into the team, but I'm sure I can learn a lot by playing with those in the club."

Bayern's director of sport Christian Nerlinger said the Bavarian giants were excited about Usami's potential, but promised to nurture his talent.

"We have been watching him. He is very talented and has great attacking skills. We will give him the time to get used to life at Bayern," said Nerlinger from Munich.

But Usami said he has no qualms about competing for his place alongside the likes of France star Franck Ribery or Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

"I want to improve myself to one day be able to take their place," he said.

Usami, who made his professional debut with Gamba in 2009, this year received his first international call-up in the Kirin Cup tournament involving hosts Japan, Peru and the Czech Republic.

At 17, Usami scored on his professional debut for Gamba in a 2-1 defeat to FC Seoul in the AFC Champions League in May 2009.

He won the J-League Young Player of the Year award last season when he scored seven goals in 26 league matches.

Usami has scored one goal in six league matches in the current March-December season, which was disrupted by the March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster.



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