Takumi Minamino: "Stay at AS Monaco as long as possible" | OneFootball

The day after the announcement of his extension and two days before the trip to Toulouse (Friday, 8:45 p.m.), the Japanese midfielder spoke at a press conference.

He is now tied to AS Monaco through 2027. Scorer of three goals and two assists in the last four matches, Takumi Minamino is in great form and has just extended his contract. It was therefore in great spirits that the Japanese midfielder spoke at a pre-match press conference, two days before the team’s trip to Toulouse (Friday, 8:45 p.m.), driven by the desire to go and get the three points. 🎙️

His contract extension

I am very happy to have extended with AS Monaco because I want to stay here as long as possible. The Club has shown that it believes in me by offering me this new contract, it is the most important thing in my eyes. I feel good in my personal life, in the Club and with the staff. (Ending his career in the Principality) I will be 32 years old at the end of my contract, we will see at that time. In any case, AS Monaco is a fantastic club that is in the fight every year for the European places.

His life off the pitch

I feel very good in Monaco, I like the city and the people. I have several Japanese friends who live near here even if the most important thing for me is football, that’s why I wanted to extend. Besides that, I have a few favourite restaurants in the Principality and I love going to the Tête de Chien where the view of Monaco is simply magnificent.

His relationship of trust with Adi Hütter

It’s true that I’ve had some difficulties this season, particularly in terms of finishing and my efficiency. I spoke to the coach several times about this lack of success and he explained to me that with my strengths and qualities, I could help the team in other ways, such as with assists or defensive tasks. I was focused on that. He has given me a lot of confidence.

I admit I haven’t changed much but football is sometimes strange. For example, a striker can go ten games without scoring, before scoring a lot later. It’s the same for me with three goals in my last four games, it can happen, I can’t explain it precisely.

His relationship on the pitch with Mika Biereth

He’s a great player. He’s scored ten goals in seven matches in Ligue 1, he is having a fantastic start. He is a top person who shows that he knows how to position himself in the box. He is a real striker who helps the team a lot, that is a good thing.

Against Lille, he gave me a sublime assist and proves that he does not only know how to score. He can indeed provide assists and create space for the number 10. In short, Mika can bring us a lot of things.

Continued growth after Reims ?

After a victory, the mood is always positive. In recent days, we have been able to do well in training. I hope we will win Friday in Toulouse and continue this momentum, even if it will be difficult because it is against a good team. We will do our best and believe in our identity. If we can achieve this every time, I am sure that we will finish on the podium, that’s the main goal. In any case, I believe in us.

Difficult recent results at home

We are aware that we have to win away because the last time we won on the road, was against Strasbourg in November, it’s a run that goes back a long way. If we want to reach the podium, we must also win away from home. Toulouse play in a beautiful stadium and in a good atmosphere, it will not be easy but we will give our all.

The number of Japanese players in Ligue 1

I am very proud to see that there are more and more Japanese players in Ligue 1 and I was even more proud on Friday against Reims when there were four of us on the pitch, it was great. This shows that Japanese players have the level to play in the best European leagues, and I hope there will be even more.