Muto claims he has a point to prove this season

Newcastle summer signing Yoshinori Muto claims he is determined to prove that Asian players are physically capable of playing in the Premier League.

Muto signed for the Magpies in July from Mainz in a deal worth £9.5million, and has only played a quick ten minute cameo for the club so far this season.

Ahead of Sunday’s home clash against Chelsea at St James’ Park, Muto spoke about how he has a point to prove this season.

As reported by The Telegraph, Muto said:

It is easy to say that some [Japanese] players are not physically capable. But it is our job to play well and prove ourselves on the pitch.

I would like people to see our players and change their mind. At the same time, we have to play well enough to change their perceptions.

Because of the visa requirement it is difficult for Japanese players to come to England, you have to be playing in the national team for some percentage be able to do so.

This is a difficult league for Japanese players to come here, also this is one of the top leagues in the world. In terms of me coming here, obviously it has been quite big reaction there.

I would like to contribute to the results at Newcastle so that maybe we get more attention, reaction back home.

Muto also revealed that he had previously rejected the advances of Sunday’s opponents, with the 26-year old fearing that he was wanted by Chelsea purely to be farmed out on loan. He continued:

I was 22 when I got the offer from Chelsea. At the time, I didn’t feel the manager of the club really wanted or needed me.

I think they wanted to sign the young potential of players and then loan them out to help them progress. Instead of doing that, I wanted to stay at a club to help me progress.

I wanted to feel like I could make my own progress step by step, therefore I didn’t take that opportunity.

Of course, it is a strange feeling to play against Chelsea. They are obviously a fantastic club, really strong. If we can be united as a team, as one, then they are an opponent we can get a win. We really need the three points. If I contribute by scoring or assisting, it will be a fantastic weekend.