Japan international Shinji Kagawa has joined Spanish division two outfit Real Zaragoza according to a statement by Borussia Dortmund.  Kagawa had struggled for playing time last season under manager Lucien Favre and spent the second half of the season on loan at Turkish outfit Besiktas.

Kagawa has enjoyed a starring career after breaking through with Borussia Dortmund in 2010, the Japanese won back to back Bundesliga titles. He earned a dream move to Manchester United in 2012 but failed to truly express his abilities at the club.

Kagawa later returned in 2014 for a second spell at the club and spent a total of seven years in Dortmund.

The Japanese is known for his silky style of play and playmaking abilities. He is also considered as part of the golden generation at Borussia Dortmund that broke Bayern Munich dominance under manager Jurgen Klopp.

He was also part of the golden generation of Japanese players that impressed in Europe in the past decade which includes Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki.

Real Zaragoza would be hopeful that the arrival of Kagawa would help the club regain promotion back to the top flight. Kagawa is expected to be one of the highest-paid players in the Spanish lower division with this move.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke paid tributes to Kagawa ahead of his exit calling him a true professional and ambassador for the club.  According to him, the club decided to grant Kagawa his wishes to play in Spain this season.

Kagawa will be missed at the club but Dortmund have enough players in his position. Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel and Denmark international Delaney are the two major players that manager Favre prefers in the midfield role.

Kagawa played 216 matches for Dortmund in all competitions, scoring 60 goals and providing 55 assists.