• Premier League

United almost broke my spirit - Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa failed to score in any of his appearances this season © Getty Images

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Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has admitted his spirit almost broke as he aims to put a "disappointing" season at Old Trafford behind him.

The 25-year-old made 23 starts under David Moyes and interim manager Ryan Giggs but has been linked with a move back to Borussia Dortmund.

Kagawa, who failed to score in any of his 30 appearances after scoring six goals last season, has revealed United's turbulent campaign which resulted in the sacking of Moyes left him close to breaking point.

"This year the manager changed and it has been a really hard year in many ways," he told Kyodo News in Japan.

"There have been times when I thought my spirit would break and I just thought: 'I have to believe in myself'.

"In the end it has been a really disappointing season, what with not scoring a single goal, but I never slacked off in training or matches."

On Monday, Kagawa was named in Japan's provisional squad for the World Cup, but despite failing to perform at club level, Kagawa is keen to impress for his country after missing out on the 2010 World Cup.

"I have experienced a lot in Europe over these four years," he said. "I had won the league the previous three years and I think it has been really good for me to experience both good times and bad.

"Over these past four years my goal has been Brazil and I think I am here now because I fought and believed in myself.

"I have dreamed about the World Cup stage since I was little. I am not only going to enjoy it, I want to attach my mind to getting results.

"For the team I think our first game against Ivory Coast is crucial. Obviously we are in it to win the tournament but that is not something you can say lightly and I want to focus on Ivory Coast. I am relieved but simply being a member of the team is not my goal. My aim is to deliver results."

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