Junya Tanaka leaves message for the fans before heading for Japan

Heading off for Japan, where he will represent Kashiwa Reysol on loan until July 2017, Junya Tanaka left a message for his fans for their support, revealing that he will miss the country that welcomed him for what was his first experience abroad.

“I will miss it a lot. I really like Portugal, the climate and the food. The Sporting fans sang for me and that made me feel really happy, but I want to play more and here it is difficult right now. I have to play. In the last six months I haven't played a lot and I need to recover in Japan, where I won everything. I am better and faster. In Japan, the game is slower. Here, it is really quick and strong and I have to adapt. Jorge Jesus is a good coach, the team is bigger and better and defending well, which is the most important thing. We defend really well and we know how to attack."

Junya Tanaka went on to remember his goal against Braga, which for him was the finest strike of his career: "It was my best goal. It gave me a lot of motivation and spirit to do more. I like using the Sporting shirt and I will miss this. It will stay in my hear forever."

The Japanese forward parted with a work of thanks for the fans: "Sporting had to be champion this year. The fans want it and they will go with me in my heart. I really liked it when they shouted ‘Tanaka, Tanaka’. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."