Japanese football star Shinji Kagawa has left on Tuesday for England to join his new squad, Manchester United, seeking a starting slot in the team before the Premier League debuts in August.

“First, I want to display what I have at the training camp and prepare myself so that I can firmly gain a position in time for the opening game,” the 23-year-old player said.

“It is a big challenge for me. I have nothing but a positive mind now. I want to fight with confidence,” Kagawa said.

The Japanese player, on departure from German side Borussia Dortmund, signed a four-year deal with Manchester United. He will hold a press conference at the English club on Thursday.

Kagawa scored 17 goals last season in all competitions for Dortmund. His team won a second consecutive Bundesliga title and the German Cup, scoring the first domestic double in the 103-year history of the club.