Shinji Okazaki - the forgotten man

[Deeg67]

He says he wants to stay in Europe, that's about it.  He also seems to imply pretty strongly that Rodgers has told him he doesn't fit in with his plans.

[worthosoriginals]

8 hours ago, The whole world smiles said:

Does it say where? Would love it if he had one more big goal left for us of the bench this season.

you might have to wait a few seasons for that goal.

[weller54]

9 hours ago, Deeg67 said:

He says he wants to stay in Europe, that's about it.  He also seems to imply pretty strongly that Rodgers has told him he doesn't fit in with his plans.

He's a remainer then? 

Good lad. 

[HighPeakFox]

Just now, weller54 said:

He's a remainer then? 

Good lad. 

Don't get yourself banned.....say something about verminous spuds, quickly!

[weller54]

7 minutes ago, HighPeakFox said:

Don't get yourself banned.....say something about verminous spuds, quickly!

What?? 

All I meant is Shinji wants to remain playing in Europe rather than cashing in, playing in the States or China.. He's obviously ruled out playing for another English club, for example.... 

.... 

The verminous Spuds! 

[Costock_Fox]

10 hours ago, Deeg67 said:

No surprise, but Shinji pretty much says he's gone:

 

https://hochi.news/articles/20190331-OHT1T50218.html

The headline breaks my heart

[Aus Fox]

8 hours ago, Costock_Fox said:

The headline breaks my heart

2-0 get in!

[Deeg67]

Happy 33rd to Shinji today!  One more goal in a Leicester shirt this weekend would be a wonderful present.

[Koke]

This guy is on the same contract he originally signed back in 2015. Hasnt gotten a pay rise, even after all the success he helped bring to the club, but still got on with life and never kicked up a fuss, unlike a certain Leo Ulloa. 

 

He's the most underpaid player at the club. Even Benalouane was on a bigger salary than Okazaki which is criminal.

[Japanfox]

He is a star in Japan and rightly so 

 

The Japanese way isn't to moan and complain either.   It's ashame that he isn't given more game time or allowed to leave and play somewhere else.

 

I'll always remember that over head kick.

 

LTID

[shailen]

He did a lot of dirty work in the title winning season, for which he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He was vital for the press we put on the opposition, allowing the likes of Mahrez and Drinkwater to pick up the ball in dangerous situations and work their magic. 

 

[Tuna]

Will be sorry to see him go always played with a smile on his face and was absolutely brilliant for us in 15-16. Legend.

[rachhere]

It's obviously the right time for him to leave, but still very sad. Would love him to get one last goal... I hope he gets a move he is happy with. 

[Tielemans63]

What a guy. Love Shinji.

 

Good luck to him wherever he goes. Bona fide Leicester City legend.

[Sol thewall Bamba]

His name will be ingrained into the title winning starting lineup for every more. He'll quite rightly never be forgotten. 

[Alf Bentley]

I just remember that for at least a couple of big, big years (2015-17), our team almost always looked better with Shinji in it than when he wasn't playing.

 

I presume that was mainly down to him, with Vardy, leading from the front with their intense pressing and work ethic....setting a standard for their team-mates and getting the crowd up and behind them.

Though I once watched a match from closer to the pitch than usual and noticed that he was a lot better than I had realised at fast, short passing in tight situations.

 

Each time he comes on now, I hope that he'll give us one more goal. How good would it be if he came off the bench to score the winner at Man City?  

[Scanchez]

Serious contender for my favourite ever Leicester player. Always gave his everything and you can tell he loved playing for us.

[StanSP]

Gonna leave at end of the season on a free. 

An unsung hero of the title-winning season under the shadows of Vardy in that attacking role but his role can never be underplayed in a Leicester fan's eyes. That partnership was perfect especially when playing to the strengths of Vardy.

And the best thing about it is that it was perfect for Okazaki, too. Typified by the fact he'd run himself in to the ground (no pun intended) and he would never moan after that season about not playing as regularly. 

 

A model professional and in the end our game has evolved in to something different which Shinji doesn't fit in to but I thank him for all his efforts and wish him luck in the future. 

 

Most (Non-Leicester) fans will criticise his lack of goals but that's just naivety on their part for not realising he actually had a bit part to play on some of the goals actually scored from other players. 

 

Everyone loves a player that gives 100% and Shinji will forever be respected for being one of those players that always gave that much effort. 

[sdb]

A true hero. Good luck Shinji, your energy and selflessness epitomised our title winning side! 

[copunk]

One of the most loved City players in our household (the mrs has a big crush on him ?) its a shame he hasnt had much game time over the last couple of seasons, a great pro who was a vital part in our title winning season, i will have nothing but fond memories of him, One More Goal?

[The_77]

Before the season ends, I would love nothing more than for Shinji to score one more of his goals that doesn't hit the back of the net, or for him to finally put one in from outside the box.

[Chester Dontlie]

Probably my favourite Leicester player, he will be sorely missed All has been said already, the guy is a legend. I can already sense the onions being peeled on the last day of the season. Hopefully if/when our 8th/7th(?) place is settled before that day, BR picks him for the first eleven so the fans have the opportunity to applaud the smiling samurai. He deserves a standing ovation, not only for what he did in 2015/16 but also for being an exemplary professional on and off the pitch.

[mozartfox]

A great servant of the Club, but both parties need to move on now.  Good luck Shinji wherever you go.

[Sampson]

Last season he was probably our best player up until Christmas, but he fell put of favour for some reason and never seemed to recover.

 

Scored some cracking goals for us. But that overhead kick vs Newcastle in an incredibly nervy 1-0 win during the title run-in will live forever in the memory.

 

Hero.

[TJB-fox]

Not just a cult hero but a cult legend. This is best for all parties involved but wow, what a few years we've had out of Shinji. Can't remember there being a bit-part player (in the past year or so) that remains so hugely popular. Can't help but not love shinji!