Kota Takai has opened up on his goal for the rest of the season, after his first Tottenham Hotspur match since his summer move.
Tottenham Hotspur are yet to see much of summer signing Kota Takai, who joined the club for £5 million, a record fee for a Japan international moving from the J League.
The 20-year-old is one for the future with clear potential, although he has not yet featured in a competitive match for Spurs since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale.
Takai has been sidelined with an injury since his move, but he has now played his first minutes in a Tottenham shirt during a behind-closed-doors friendly with Spurs’ under-21s as he works toward full fitness.
Tottenham defender Kota Takai discusses first Spurs minutes
Kota Takai spoke about how it felt to play 45 minutes for Tottenham finally, and he admitted that he enjoyed the runout but knows there is more work ahead as he aims to improve his sharpness.
He told the official Tottenham channel: “Well, yeah, it was only 45 minutes, but I enjoyed playing football, and I felt I need to get my condition even better from here.”
He was then asked about the tough road back from injury, and the defender explained that it took time to return, but he appreciates the help he received throughout his recovery.
He added: “Yeah… It took time to get back on the pitch, but with the help of many people, I think I was able to make it this far.”
Takai also shared how he felt after the match, and he expressed relief simply to come through without any setbacks while making clear that the next step is pushing toward a first-team debut.
He continued: “First of all, I am just glad I finished without getting injured. And now, I want to work hard toward making my debut for the first team next.”
Kota Takai opens up on his next steps after Tottenham match
The Japanese international has spent the last four months in London since his summer move, and he opened up on life in the UK.
Speaking about his experience in London, he said: “It has been really fun, and from around the end of Halloween, the city already started to feel very Christmas-like. The city is beautiful, and I find it very comfortable to live in.”
On his aims moving forward, Takai kept things straightforward and made it clear that breaking into the Tottenham first team is his focus from here, saying:
“My goal? Well, first and foremost, making my debut on the pitch with the first team – that is my biggest goal right now.”