Back in October, actor Shirota Yu became the first honorary fan of Spanish professional soccer team FC Barcelona. On December 9th, he attended a talk event held in honor of FC Barcelona's arrival in Japan at NIKE Harajuku.



Wearing the team's 'No.25' uniform with "YU FERNANDEZ" on its back, Shirota gushed, "It's been a long time since I wore a uniform; last time I wore one, I was in elementary school. It feels like I could play like Iniesta now."� He continued, "I would like to convey the greatness of Barcelona even to those who are not interested in soccer. I want to support them as a part of their team."

Having a Spanish mother, Yu spent his childhood in Spain, so he was naturally obsessed with FC Barcelona from a young age. �"I still can't believe that I'm their first honorary fan in the world, and I also feel worried about whether it would make everyone angry. The little me from when I was a kid would faint if he knew about this," Shirota laughed.


According to Shirota, the name 'FERNANDEZ' on his uniform is his mother's family name, and he used it with the intent of� "connecting Japan and Spain".



Looking back over the year of 2011, Shirota said, "I was able to grow by receiving opportunities and positions that led people, such as being a leader for a stage play or taking the lead role for a drama. So, it was the year for me to expand my horizons. �Next year, I would like to level up more and more, and show everybody an even more grown version of myself through new works and music."

Source & Image: Oricon