Shinji Kagawa admitted it was difficult to describe how he was feeling after his fairy-tale return to Borussia Dortmund.
The Japanese midfielder scored on his second debut for the club in a 3-1 win over Freiburg.
The 25-year-old was given a hero’s welcome on his return to a team he represented for two successful seasons before joining Manchester United in 2012.
“What I feel right now is difficult to describe,” he told reporters.
“But it’s definitely a feeling of great joy to have been able to play in this stadium again. I had goosebumps.”
United still chasing Roma’s Strootman
Manchester United will offer Juan Mata as bait in their bid to land Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman in January.
A report in the Sunday People said Louis van Gaal, who is a huge fan of the player having worked with him for Holland, will try to tempt the Italians into a deal by throwing in Mata.
Mata’s future at Old Trafford has been plunged into doubt following the arrival of Radamel Falcao and, in particular, Angel Di Maria during the summer.
Last week, Roma’s sporting director Walter Sabatini said Strootman, 24, was not for sale.
Redfearn waiting on Leeds decision
Neil Redfearn’s prospects of becoming the new full-time boss at Elland Road remain in the balance following a 1-1 Champion-ship draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Leeds were heading to defeat following a strike from Birmingham’s front man, Wes Thomas, but a late surge earned Leeds a valuable away point following a 76th minute goal from teenage starlet Alex Mowatt.
Redfearn, who expects to still be in charge for tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth, said: “The owner (Massimo Cellino) knows I am capable and our respect is mutual.
“He will make his decision when he needs to. Hopefully, if I can keep nicking points it will put the club in a better position.”
Rio Ferdinand: I’ll never forgive Terry
Rio Ferdinand finds it “impossible to forgive” John Terry over his handling of the racism row in-volving his brother Anton.
Ferdinand and Terry became estranged after the Blues skipper used racist language towards Anton Ferdinand. Terry was banned for four matches in relation to the incident.
“For me, the biggest idiot will always be John Terry,” Rio said.
“As England captain he could have saved everyone a lot of pain by admitting immediately that he had used the words in the heat of the moment, but was no racist.
“I no longer talk to him, but even three years later I find it impossible to forgive or forget the pain he put my family through.”
Cambiasso earns Pearson plaudits
Nigel Pearson praised the impact made by Esteban Cambiasso on his Premier League debut as Leicester secured their first victory of the season.
The Foxes defeated Stoke 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium. They were outplayed in the first half but the game changed when Pearson sent on Cambiasso for the start of the second half.
The Argentine settled into the team immediately and began to pull the strings in midfield on his first appearance since moving from Inter.
Pearson said: “His (Cambiasso’s) game management is exceptional. He’s not had the success he’s had over his career without showing qualities, not just with the ball but in terms of his organisational skills.”
Martinez: Lukaku looks a bargain
Boss Roberto Martinez branded Romelu Lukaku a £28 million bargain after he fired Everton to a 2-0 win at West Brom.
The Toffees’ record buy scored inside two minutes at The Hawthorns for his first goal since making his loan move from Chelsea permanent.
It sealed a comfortable win for Everton and Martinez believes Lukaku can be a steal.
“He is only a young man and I’m sure money can be spent in many ways but I didn’t mind the sum because he was money well spent,” he said.
“When you bring a player into the club it’s always a gamble but in this case it wasn’t at all.”
Fresh injury blow for Badstuber
Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines after being told he needs an operation on a thigh injury.
The Germany defender, who has only just returned to action after spending 20 months out with a serious knee injury, pulled up after kicking the ball during Bayern’s 2-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday.
It was initially thought he had only strained his thigh, but a test yesterday revealed he had actually torn muscle tendons.
“I’m very disappointed right now,” said the 25-year-old.
“But I’m now used to it and I know how to deal with such situations. Don’t worry, I will come back and carry on from where I had got back to after my long injury absence.”