Everyone eagerly awaited for Wednesday’s press conference to begin, as Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome was officially presented by Cubs representatives.

This is how it all began: “Hi. My name is Kosuke Fukudome. I am very happy to be able to sign my contract and play with this historic team. I look forward to playing in such a historic ballpark and playing in front of such ecstatic fans.”

Jim Hendry, Cubs general manager, said about Fukudome: “We felt he had the ability to want to play at the highest level and to want the action.” He added: “"He's exactly what we needed for our ballclub to move forward," Hendry said. "He changes the dynamic of our club in a lot of ways."

When asked about personal goals and expectations, the lefthander hitter answered: “I have no personal goals right now, personal targets. The only thing that is in my target is to help this team to win a championship. If I can do my best and help bring a championship to this city that will probably be the best thing I can do.”

The Chicago Cubs have great expectations from the 30-year-old Japanese baseball player, who is said to be a mixture between Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.

"I don't think I can compare myself with Ichiro and Matsui," said Fukudome. "A lot of people are saying I'm a mix between those two. But if that's what everyone is saying, hopefully I can be a mixture of those two."

Hendry has previously said that the Japanese professional baseball player was “the perfect hit” for the Cubs. Fukudome is known to stand an impressive career of .305 hitter, 192 home runs and 674 runs for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japan Central League.

The 2004 Olympic medalist Kosuke Fukudome previously signed a 4-year $48 million contract with The Cubs, after being intensely courted by several MLB teams.