WATCH: Daichi Kamada answers YOUR questions

Club

16 Jul 2024

Daichi Kamada has been enjoying life in South London, and now he has had the chance to answer questions submitted by his new family: Crystal Palace supporters.

Check out every word of his answers below…

What excites you the most after signing for Crystal Palace?

Well, in the so-called four major football leagues in Europe, the only big clubs that I have not played against yet are Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. I am really looking forward to facing these big clubs in the Premier League.

What is your impression of Selhurst Park?

While I think it is not an extremely large stadium in size, the stadium is always full of supporters and I'm glad I will be able to play in that great atmosphere. Besides, the seats are very close to the pitch, so I have the impression that this is a real Premier League stadium.

Are you excited to play football in front of the Palace supporters?

Yes. I understand that the supporters have high expectations for me, so I hope I can live up to those expectations and I want to be a player who shows impressive performances.

Who was your favourite player in the Premier League when you were a kid?

Let me see ... When I was really young, I admired Steven Gerrard. In more recent times, I was a huge fan of of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Paul Pogba.

What about the Japanese players in the Premier League?

In recent years, I have the impression that there are many Japanese players who have been very impressive, such as Tomiyasu, Wataru Endo and Mitoma.

Is there a reason you prefer to wear a long-sleeve shirt during matches?

Well, for one thing, I've had a streak of good matches where I've worn a long-sleeve shirt, so I feel like it brings me good luck. Also, since I'm not very muscular, I think a long-sleeve shirt suits me better than a short-sleeve one.

Did you play or watch any other sport than football when you were a kid?

When I was a kid, I only watched football. But as I've grown up, I also watch basketball and tennis sometimes.

Did you have any sports heroes, including football players, in your childhood?

During my childhood Cristiano Ronaldo played superbly at Manchester United, so I remember admiring him a lot and trying to imitate his skills.

If you were going to treat your teammates to Japanese food, what would you want them to try?

That would be "Takoyaki" or "Okonomiyaki" for sure. [These are the typical snacks eaten with the special sauce and mayonnaise in the region where Daichi spent his youth.] Many of my previous teammates have liked them and they're also specialities from where I grew up. So I think they will also like those Japanese foods.

Here in London, you have scored goals against Arsenal, West Ham and Spurs before. Are those good memories for you? And have you been looking forward to playing in London?

Scoring against such big teams gave me a lot of confidence and since those goals are something very memorable, it's a great memory for me. Also, I'm excited to play against any Premier League team, not just those you mentioned, because all matches will be in tough but great atmospheres in great stadiums. So I'm really looking forward to it.

What are your aims as a team?

I think our main goal as a team is to fight to qualify for the next season's European cup competition, so I want to contribute to that as much as I can.

I think the most important thing as a player is game time, and it is normal for a great team like Crystal Palace to have strong competition for places. So, I'm determined to win my position in the squad and help the team.

With other Japanese players Mitoma, Tomiyasu, and Endo already playing in the Premier League, have you talked to them or heard anything about the league from them?

When I talked to them, they often said that playing in the Premier League is a lot of fun and that every match is tough, no matter who you play against. I've also always wanted to play in the Premier League, so I'm really looking forward to it.

What is your message to the Palace fans?

I understand that I joined the club with high expectations, so I hope I can meet those expectations. And I'll do whatever it takes to show my best and help the team. So I'll appreciate your support.

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