Zion Suzuki has explained why he chose to sign with STVV ahead of Manchester United.
The Japanese goalkeeper rejected an approach from United when leaving Urawa Red Diamonds to move to Belgium.
"I decided to transfer this time as a step up in aiming to be the best in the world. It's true that there was an offer from Manchester United," Suzuki told Goal.
"As a football player and as a person, if I hadn't thought about anything, of course, I would like to go to Manchester United, but among them, I really want to spend time thinking about what kind of future awaits me. After much thought, I made this decision.
“Manchester United have acquired [Andre] Onana. It's important for me to participate in matches, and I think it is also important to play on the world stage. I want to make the most of what I have learned here and do my best."
He added: “While many players are active overseas, it is difficult to become a 'keeper. I think we are going to have a really tough battle ahead of us in that kind of place.
"There are still no Japanese who are active as goalkeepers in the Premier League, so I want to be one of the first players to do so. I want to keep moving forward step by step."
