Parma goalkeeper makes Man United admission and reveals most popular Italy player | OneFootball

Japan international Zion Suzuki has revealed that he has previously rejected interest from the Premier League before eventually ending up at Parma in the summer of 2024.

The 22-year-old stopper recently gave an in-depth interview to La Repubblica, during which he spoke about his possible options abroad, his time in Serie A so far and the most popular Italian in Japan.

Suzuki joined Parma in the summer on a permanent deal from Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden. He had spent the 2023-24 season on loan in Belgium before technically signing permanently in the summer, only for Parma to buy out his contract immediately afterwards.

epa11693104 Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic (C) in action against goalkeeper Zion Suzuki of Parma during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus FC and Parma Calcio, in Turin, Italy, 30 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

While playing for Sint-Truiden, Suzuki had reportedly been offered a deal at Manchester United, but decided against it in order to continue with his consistent playing time. Chelsea were also among the interested parties.

Suzuki: ‘They wanted me in the Premier League,” before joining Parma

“They wanted me in the Premier League when I was in Japan, but I would have played more in Belgium. I’m happy with my choice. Serie A is known around the world for the quality of its goalkeepers,” Suzuki told La Repubblica.

He later continued: “I dream of becoming the best goalkeeper in the world and winning the Champions League. I have that on the same level as winning the World Cup with Japan. Something very difficult, only seen in cartoons, but never say never.”

Suzuki also went on to reveal his favourite goalkeepers: He picked two past and present, before being asked for the best current Italy goalkeeper.

“Ederson from Manchester City is my idol, he’s a phenomenon with his feet, too. I train to be like him. Buffon is also a legend.”

And, on his preferred Azzurri goalkeeper, he said: “I appreciate Donnarumma, but I’d choose Vicario from Tottenham. He has incredible reflexes and saves shots from a yard away.”

Suzuki also revealed which former Italy player is the most popular back home in Japan.

He said: “Among players and coaches, Massimo Ficcadenti is the most beloved in Japan. The former Verona and Torino midfielder. He coached here for many years and is often on TV, he’s very popular.”