'Serial winner' lifts lid on Ederson inspiration after Man City transfer

Manchester City have completed the signing of Japan international Ayaka Yamashita on a three-year deal.

The goalkeeper joins the Blues from WE League side INAC Kobe Leonessa and becomes the club's third Japanese signing this summer, joining Risa Shimizu and Aoba Fujino at the Joie Stadium. Yamashita has earned 74 senior international caps and has won 17 major honours during her career so far.

The 28-year-old six-time Japanese top flight winner arrives in England following an illustrious spell in her home country and will wear the No. 31 shirt for City. “First of all, it is a great honour to join such a wonderful club and team," Yamashita said.

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"I feel very honoured to be here. Because of my personality, I am very hungry. I've won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge. It's a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.

“During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. I'm really looking forward to playing with her again. It's also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt, I'm really looking forward to it.

“Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”

Manchester City Women Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Ayaka is an impressive goalkeeper and serial winner with an even more impressive number of domestic trophies to her name.

"It has been a