Lots of beaming faces at the public training session in Osaka | OneFootball

A murmur ripples through the stadium, followed by applause, as Serhou Guirassy scores the first goal in the practice match. Even before that, children from Cerezo’s soccer academy – who had come to watch BVB’s open practice – had grown restless with every attempt on goal. The children watch the action on the field with rapt attention. Many hold up their cell phones to film. 

On Tuesday, many fans gathered at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium, where BVB will face Cerezo Osaka the following day. “The fans are all here just for us. We’re really happy about that. I didn’t know so many people here were supporting us. It’s great to see,” said new signing Joane Gadou after the session.

But it’s not just the children – the adults are also thrilled about the visit from Dortmund. “I love you all,” shouts a fan dressed entirely in Black and Yellow as the team runs past him after practice. One woman, holding aloft a handmade sign with a photo of Alex Meyer, is particularly excited. As soon as she spots the goalkeeper from a distance, she calls out his name. When he finally reaches her, he can’t help but grin at the sight of the sign and happily poses for a photo.

The woman from Japan is overjoyed to meet her favorite player. Like so many BVB fans this evening in Osaka, she’s thrilled, as the Borussians are taking plenty of time for autographs and photos. (cr)