One of the prominent players of the "Reds," Liverpool, has officially announced his retirement from the national team after missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
Following recent developments, Wataru Endo, the Japanese national team midfielder from Liverpool, decided to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a left foot injury.
Endo has now confirmed that he will be bidding farewell to the Japanese national team and will support the "Samurai Blue" as a fan from now on.
"As I have already announced, I will be withdrawing from the Japanese national team for the World Cup."
"Of course, I feel disappointed that I cannot participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I am proud of our growth since the Qatar World Cup. As captain, I led this team and transformed our goal of 'winning the World Cup' into something we can now speak about naturally."
"The current team is truly outstanding. I believe they will overcome all obstacles and show us things we've never seen before."
"With this campaign, I will say goodbye to the national team. Therefore, from now on, I will cheer for Japan as a fan. The time when Japan will win the World Cup will surely come. Let's believe in them and support them together."
"Let us unite the strength of Japan as one so that moment arrives in this tournament. Let's conquer the World Cup in North and Central America!! Everyone, give it your all!"
Endo is retiring from the international stage with a record of 73 caps and 4 goals since making his debut for Japan in 2015, and he has served as captain since after the last World Cup in Qatar.
