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Blackburn Rovers made several new signings this summer as they look to be going through a transitional period at Ewood Park.
This has seen several experienced and familiar faces leave Blackburn Rovers this summer, bidding farewell to their captain Lewis Travis, reliable defender Dominic Hyam to Wrexham and creative Tyrhys Dolan, who moved to Espanyol.
However, fans will be encouraged by the business Blackburn did to replace these players under their new policy of signing young players and developing others through the academy.
Now, Valerien Ismael’s top target has opened up about why he joined Blackburn Rovers for the upcoming season, as they look to build on their campaign from last season.
Ryoya Morishita on his World Cup dream
The Japanese striker was recently described by Valerien Ismael as his top summer target, with the Blackburn manager thrilled to get the versatile attacker.
Now, speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Ryoya Morishita has explained his decision to join Blackburn Rovers, with the player explaining his dream to play in the World Cup and Premier League.
He said: “My dream is to play in the Premier League, and Blackburn Rovers had that opportunity last year. Seventh place, very close to the play-offs.
“I want to play in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers; that’s why I came here. I am not 20 years old; I’m 28, which is not so young; this was the right time to move.
“I have to have a good season because this is my opportunity. I have a hunger to perform, and because I want to go to the World Cup in the United States.
“Not just to enjoy it but to play. I am so proud to play for Japan, and everyone dreams of playing at a World Cup.”
- READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers star’s exit making ‘significant progress’ with Turkish club after transfer deadline
Ryoya Morishita’s other reason for moving to England
The Japanese attacker has seen this move as a chance to improve his English, with this beginning with his love of English football as a child.
Morishita grew up watching English football on DVDs with his father; being a Manchester United fan, there will be hope among the Ewood Park faithful that he can be convinced to become a Blackburn supporter.
He said: “English football is very popular in Japan.
“I think it’s the most popular country for football. It’s very famous. I spent my childhood watching English football on DVDs, putting the cassette on the TV from six years old.
“My father always loved English football, so that is why I was watching. He was a (Manchester) United fan; hopefully a Blackburn one now for the family.
“I want them to come and see a game one day, so I will invite them soon. I studied English a lot as a student but it was American English so it’s quite different. In Poland, there’s a big difference to speaking in England.
“I want to study more English whilst I am here and continue to learn.”