Krzysztof Kamiński loves Gyoza.It was the right decision to come to Japan. (2ページ目)

"To be honest, I didn't initially want to be a goalkeeper," he confessed. "I started as a winger, but when I was 12 the coach urged me to play between the posts. I didn't know why he asked me to do that, but I gave it a go and it was great fun! People around me praised my goalkeeping and I got into it."

A mischievous child who "played lots of pranks" with his brother started aiming to become a professional goalkeeper shortly afterwards, something he achieved at 20 years old. After playing in the fourth division of Poland in his first two seasons, Kamiński stepped up in consecutive years and reached the first tier when he joined Ruch Chorzow, one of the most successful clubs in the country. His contract was set to expire in his third season there, which is when Iwata came calling. That was December 2014.

There weren't many Polish players having played in Asia though, let alone the J-League. Therefore, it took some time for him to make a decision. However, with his naturally positive personality and ardent persuasion from Jubilo, Kamiński determined to head to the Far East for the first time.

"(Toshihiro) Hattori-san (football director of Jubilo) told me their interesting project," he said."Although Jubilo were then competing in J2, it is a prestige club with great history and many titles. The club needed to win promotion and he asked me to help them. I couldn't imagine being in Japan though, because it is very far from my country and I had only played in the Polish leagues, so I asked him to give me some time to think about it. During that time, I heard about the J-League from people with more knowledge of the competition. They said there are many skilful players and that the standard of the league is high. I also wanted to live abroad and had never had the chance before. I think if you put yourself in a different culture and circumstances, you develop not only as a player but also as a person. With that in mind, I felt like, 'why not try?'"

Right after arriving in Japan, Kamiński felt sure he had made the right decision. The club is well organised and everyone welcomed the new comer from Eastern Europe. His teammates, coaches, and others at Iwata have gladly helped him on the pitch as well as off it.