Borussia Dortmund have tied down another key-player long-term. Sporting Director Michael Zorn announced the early extension of Shinji Kagawa's contract on the first day of the club's trip to Asia. The Japanese has signed a commitment until the 30 June 2020.

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"We are really happy that Shinji will continue to play for us in the coming three years", stressed Zorc in Tokyo, and added: "Shinji closely identifies with our club, with the city, and with our fans. And as one of the more experienced members of the squad, he is an unbelievably important anchor in a team which is very youthful overall." Kagawa has 88 caps as a Japan senior national team player, having scored 27 goals.

Notwithstanding a two year hiatus during which the 28 year old pursued his personal ambition to play in the English Premier League and wore the red kit of Manchester United between 2012 and 2014, Kagawa has played for Borussia Dortmund since 2010. He has scored 36 goals in 127 Bundesliga matches up until now. He has directly assisted a further 33 goals. Furthermore, he has made 57 appearances in European competition and the DFB Cup combined, scoring a total of 18 goals.

"BVB is like a family. I am proud that they never forgot about me, and that I belong here once again", stated Kagawa after returning from Manchester in 2014. In a press conference packed out with more than 150 (!) Japanese journalists, he said today: "BVB, with its unbelievable fans, has really grown very dear to me. I am very glad that I will remain a part of this incredible club in one of the best leagues in the world with the highest viewing figures." 

The versatile midfielder was one of the cornerstones en route to the German league title in 2011 as well as 2012, and he was heavily involved in the DFB Cup wins of 2012 and 2017. Kagawa scored the first goal in the final against FC Bayern Munich (5-2) in 2012. In the final against Eintracht Frankfurt (2017), he set the pace of the encounter. Now follow at least three more years playing in Black and Yellow. (br)