Wataru Endo says withdrawing from Japan’s World Cup squad because of injury was the most painful decision of his career, but insists he has no regrets about ending his international football career.
The former Japan captain made the comments after returning to Liverpool as he prepares for the new season. Speaking to a long-serving Japanese journalist, Endo described the difficulty of missing the tournament, despite having undergone surgery in an attempt to recover in time.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that. I was preparing with the idea of playing in the World Cup, so that was the most painful experience I’ve had to date,” he said.
Endo’s decision to withdraw from the Japan squad came about two months before Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Monaco at home on 9 August. He played the second half of that match, completing 45 minutes as a centre-back rather than in his usual defensive midfield role.
After the game, Endo said: “This was a good session. It’s a very important step for me to return and play 45 minutes as I prepare for the new season. Of course, my physical condition is still far from optimal.”
His appearance against Monaco was similar to his final match for Japan against Iceland in late May. Endo was restricted to 45 minutes in that game because of pain in his left foot, despite being three months beyond surgery.
Endo said the decision to withdraw from the World Cup squad was especially difficult because he had prepared with the expectation of representing Japan at the tournament. However, his recovery from the disappointment was quicker than many outside observers expected.
When he returned to England from the United States in mid-June to reunite with his family, Endo told a reporter: “I’ll rest for a bit first, and then give my all for the new season, for Liverpool.”
A week later, he added: “Starting next week, I’ll be training with the rehabilitation group, so I’ll be well-prepared.” He also joked: “Going to Nashville again, right (laughs).”
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule again included Nashville, the location of Japan’s World Cup base. The journalist had been concerned that returning to the city might revive difficult memories for Endo, but his relaxed response suggested otherwise.
The report said Endo’s earlier declaration on social media that he had “no regrets” was sincere rather than an attempt to hide his disappointment.
He had chosen to undergo his first operation in the hope of reaching the World Cup. Medically, waiting for a natural recovery had also been an option, while some in Japan hoped the former captain might eventually return to international football.
Endo, however, said he was certain that his decision was final.
“I have no regrets, and no lingering attachment. I have done everything I could.”
Liverpool’s managerial change during the summer has also given Endo a sense of a new beginning, with Iraola replacing Slot.
“It definitely feels like a fresh start. For example, what kind of football the team will play nextall these things make everything feel very new,” he said.
The report added that Iraola’s approach initially places greater emphasis on sustaining intensity throughout the full 90 minutes than on tactical detail. That demand will be a significant test for Endo as he continues to rebuild his fitness ahead of the new season.
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