>'GK Suzuki, a black man who has become a 'four European league goalkeeper', makes his official Serie A debut
Aug 20, 2024
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Suzuki Zaion (22, Parma), the head of the Japanese national team, made his official debut as a starter in the opening match of Italy's Serie A in 2024-2025 against Fiorentina at Parma Enio Tardini, Italy on the 18th (Korea time).
Born to a Ghanaian American father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki made his professional debut at Urawares and played on loan for one season at Sintrawidon in Belgium in the 2023-2024 season before moving to Parma in July to achieve his dream of entering the European big leagues in a short time.
He signed a five-year long-term contract for an estimated transfer fee of 10 million euros (about 14.7 billion won). 'Italian legend'Parma, who produced Gianluigi Buffon, chose Suzuki as Buffon's successor. Suzuki, who is 1m 90cm tall and boasts a monster physical, also received Manchester United's attention when he was raising his stock price at Sintrawidon.
According to the Japanese soccer magazine Football Zone, Suzuki is the first goalkeeper in Japanese soccer history to play in Serie A. In the past, two Japanese national goalkeepers, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and Eiji Kawashima (Jubilo), visited England and France, respectively.
South Korea has yet to produce a European big league goalkeeper.
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Italian media 'Calcio Mercato' commented on Suzuki 'I lacked experience' It was none other than Suzuki who gave up a free kick for a handball foul in a dangerous area.
Former United goalkeeper David de Gea, who signed Fiorentina this month after being unemployed for more than a year, stayed on the bench.
Suzuki has played for national teams of various ages, ranging from under-15s to the Olympic team in Japan. He was selected for the A national team in 2022 and played 10 A matches. He was the main goalkeeper at the last Qatar Asian Cup, but he showed signs of anxiety. Japan failed to advance to the semifinals after losing to Iran in the quarterfinals.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
