Interview with Peter Utaka

We've managed to sit down with the J1 League top goal scorer and Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker, Peter Utaka.



The former Nigerian international has already engrained himself into Sanfrecce legend despite only being on loan at the club. His parent club is Shimizu S-Pulse who were relegated to J2 last season. Prior to joining the J.League ranks he had a distinguished career with Odense Boldklub and later with several Chinese Super League clubs.



Peter, how does it feel to be top goal scorer in the J1 league so far?



It feels good to be top scorer, but the season isn't finished yet and there's still work to do – and this achievement comes with a lot of pressure to score!

A compilation of Utaka's best moments in a Sanfrecce Hiroshima shirt.



How would you compare your time with Sanfrecce to your time with S-Pulse?



The two clubs are very different – I'm enjoying myself in Hiroshima right now. S-Pulse was a lot of fun and gave my all, but it wasn't enough to stop them going down last season.







https://www.instagram.com/p/8EsK7XR7wH



Peter here pictured playing with S-Pulse, in a game against Hiroshima.







What are your plans after this loan season with Sanfrecce?



I'm looking forward to the break! A family holiday on the cards, catching up with some old friends. Including some former teammates – after all that it's time to get back to work with pre-season.







You career has spanned quite a few clubs and countries including Belgium, Denmark and China amongst others; where has been the most enjoyable to play and why?



I've legitimately enjoyed playing everywhere I've been. Japan as a country is beautiful, it has a lot to offer both on and off the pitch!







How does playing football in Asia compare to playing Europe and what are the major differences?



I think that Asian football is technically very good. Teams tend to be a lot more agile, skilful and have a lot of teamwork. European football is a lot more physical, pacey and a lot better in the air.







Being a professional footballer, I'm sure your free time is limited what do you get up to when you're not playing or training?



In my spare time, I'm either watching films, going shopping or playing games. I'm really into snooker and table tennis right now!







As Peter said himself, the season isn't over yet. There are still three games left in the J1 season; after which the Emperor's Cup competition will resume. Sanfrecce cannot qualify for the championship stage, yet will still want to end the season strongly consider their status. Utaka will want to continue his great form so far and lead the club lift another trophy.



https://www.instagram.com/p/BCAUmQ5x7wp



Utaka is seen here lifting the Super Cup at the start of his season with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.