Takuma Asano: I wasn't sure whether to accept Arsenal offer but I'm ecstatic to have joined

Takuma Asano has revealed he had doubts over whether he should join Arsenal.

Arsenal announced the signing of Takuma last month, subject to international clearance and the forward receiving a work permit, but the Japan international is expected to go out on loan before being integrated at his new club.

Arsene Wenger confirmed he viewed Takuma as “one for the future” when the club announced the £2million deal, one of the just three signings Arsenal have made in the summer transfer window.

Takuma was in tears when he played his final game for Japanese club side Sanfrecce Hiroshima and, in an interview with Fifa.com, he admitted he found the prospect of moving to Europe to be a tough one to commit to.

“I’ve always wanted to play abroad and I had a few offers before but I was never sure if I should go or not,” Takuma said. “Once I was called up for the top national team where there are a lot of players playing abroad. Playing with them made me think that I also want to play and challenge in a foreign league.

“And then I had the offer from Arsenal. Of course, I was still not sure whether to go or not. I talked with my family and friends and felt good about the decision after talking with them.”

However fears over what his future might entail when he moves to the Emirates have not quelled his optimistic mood as he prepares to represent his country at the Olympics.

“I’m ecstatic about everything! With the Olympics and also for Arsenal—I’m still not sure if I’ll actually play for Arsenal right away in the coming season, but definitely I’ll try my best.

“My motto is to give 100 per cent for what’s ahead of myself, so I just want to give my best to everything, whether it be for the Olympics or the new season.”