Racist abuse spurred Suzuki as Japan goalkeeper set for Premier League

Zion Suzuki, Japan’s most expensive goalkeeper, overcame racist abuse and mistakes to join Aston Villa. Learn about his journey to the Premier League.

He is replacing a World Cup winner and is his country’s first Premier League keeper, but Villa’s new signing has already dealt with harder challenges In November 2001, the first Japanese goalkeeper to play English league football conceded a goal within the first minute of his debut. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi may have strugg

Aston Villa have brought in a new goalkeeper ahead of the Premier League season

Aston Villa signs Japan goalkeeper Suzuki to leave Martinez future uncertain  Toronto Star

Having been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Zion Suzuki has moved to the Premier League with Aston Villa instead. It marks the next step on the 23-year-old Japanese goalkeeper's rise to the game's summit after a stellar World Cup.

The 23-year-old played for Japan at the World Cup, has thrived in Italy and now looks set to take the place of Emi Martinez.