St Etienne Excited About 'New Nakata'

Matsui spent four largely successful years at Le Mans and has joined the former powerhouse of French football on a free transfer.  

"St Etienne will play in the UEFA Cup in the coming season and have some international players from France and Ivory Coast," the midfielder told reporters in Japan, where he is on duty with the national team.

"I'd like to develop my game by playing with various teams and various players in the European competition.

"From my playing experience against them, I know that St Etienne are a side who can decide a game when they have to. They have made me feel attracted to join. "They always have a full stadium at their home games. I believe it is a joy for a player to playing front of crowds like that but I'd like to be accepted by the supporters first."

According to St Etienne chief executive Vincent Tong-Cuong , that should be no problem.

"I think Matsui can play well for us in the UEFA Cup," he said. "Matsui is a beautiful player, with very good technique, speed and talent to beat his opponents.

"That means he will be loved by our fans who know football well.

"I want him to be a fans favourite in St Etienne and become a successor to [former Japan midfielder] Hidetoshi Nakata."