New Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito on Tuesday credited his “typical Japanese mentality” as he begins the “hard work” of helping the German giants get back on track after a disappointing season.
Ito, 25, was unveiled in the Bavarian capital on Tuesday. Last season, Bayern finished third in the league and missed out on a trophy for the first time in 12 seasons.
Bayern announced the centre-back’s signing in June after reportedly triggering his 30mn-euro ($32mn) release clause.
While describing himself as “not the typical Japanese person”, Ito said he will “try and do my bit with a lot of hard work. That’s typical Japanese mentality”.
Ito made his debut for Japan in 2022 and has since played 19 games, scoring one goal.
Normally a centre-back, Ito can also play on the left side of defence, saying Tuesday: “I can play in several positions. We can complement each other well here”.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said Ito “enjoyed amazing development in recent years,” adding: “I’m convinced he has not reached his limit.”
Freund confirmed striker Harry Kane would be given three weeks of holiday, having lost Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain. “We’ve spoken to Harry. It obviously really hurt. He’ll get his three weeks off of holiday, just like every other player, so he can switch off a bit.”
Ito was a surprise signing for Bayern. He signed with Stuttgart just two seasons ago from Japanese side Jubilo Iwata, after a year on loan in Germany, for less than one million euros.
The defender is Bayern’s third major arrival of the summer alongside Michael Olise, from Crystal Palace, and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
