Hideki Matsui left Japan for the United States ahead of spring training on Monday, setting out for a fresh challenge in Yankees pinstripes with determination and confidence.
"My strong desire to play in the major leagues has not changed the last three months. I made this decision myself and I think I can hang tough as long as I keep this strong feeling," Matsui told reporters shortly before his departure for New York from Narita airport.
"I wasn't able to sleep well last night because of a delay in my preparations for this trip and I saw the sunrise. So in that sense I think I made a good start," Matsui said.
Matsui is scheduled to spend several days in New York before moving to Tampa, Fla., where he joins the Yankees' camp on Feb. 18.