[Comment]
Hello everyone. I am Yuto NAGATOMO from FC Tokyo.
Selected as a member of the Japan national team for this World Cup.
Since being chosen, the play from the World Cup 4 years ago has been revived, and in these past 4 years, there have been many difficult and enjoyable moments, but I have come this far with the determination to avenge that regret in this Qatar tournament.
I am still at the starting line since I have just been chosen. I finally feel like I can stand at the starting line. In this tournament, I want to contribute to the success of the Japan national team and also contribute to the team's results by playing my best. Thank you for your support.
[Q&A]
Q: Based on your experience in the past three tournaments, how do you plan to utilize your experience and what are the key points to pay attention to when facing strong opponents in order to achieve your goals?
A, well. First of all, I have experienced three World Cups, and of course, there are good memories of the World Cup, but I think I have more regrets about the World Cup. So, I keep saying that I have regrets, but I think that I can only overcome that regret on the stage of the World Cup, so even in the Russia tournament, I have come this far with a very regretful feeling, with a wounded heart, and I want to leave the best result to heal it.
Team sports, so it is important for the team to unite. I think that the result will not come out unless it becomes a team that becomes one heart, including not only the players who play in the game but also the players who do not play. I want to take advantage of the experience of the three tournaments and be a spiritual support for everyone, a power spot-like existence that encourages and delivers energy, and I also want to be able to enter there myself.
Q: Over the past four years, I believe there have been truly difficult times. What was the most challenging moment for you, Nagatomo, and how did you overcome it to get to this point?
A, difficult things... Well... I think the most difficult thing was the wonderful criticism from everyone. It was difficult but it also became energy, so I have always said that criticism is like gasoline for me, and it's really true. On the other hand, I think that criticism and the articles that everyone writes have encouraged me and ignited my soul. Also, as I overcame those difficult things, I think I became mentally stronger. I think I have been trained by everyone to the point where I might become a mental monster if I continue like this, so I want to work hard to contribute that strength not only to myself but also to the team and help the team's progress.
Q: Rui Osako and Akira Osako were not selected this time, but in the absence of such players, do you think there is a role for Yuto Nagatomo to lead the team and convey something like a world-class experience?
A, I was really surprised and it's also a very sad feeling because they are teammates who have overcome difficult times together and fought together, Tsuyoshi NAKAMA. However, it may be an exaggeration to say that their feelings, but I want to do my best to bring the hearts of the teammates who have fought together to Qatar together and fight together.
Q, looking back, you have participated in the World Cup for the first time with FC Tokyo, and then you have also participated with Inter Milan and Galatasaray, and now you will participate again as a player of FC Tokyo. It is quite rare for a team to change this much, and it will be your first time as a field player to be selected for four consecutive tournaments. Please tell us about this historic record.
A, I have never been satisfied because my past evaluations and self-evaluations have never been high. That's why I think I can keep going with dreams and goals. Also, in the first World Cup, I represented my beloved club, FC Tokyo, and fought in the World Cup in South Africa, and then I went overseas for 11 years, but now I have returned to this beloved club and I feel extremely proud to represent the name of FC Tokyo in the World Cup, a global tournament. Anyway, people might wonder who that 36-year-old is, running like a monster, and which team's player he is. So, I want the name of FC Tokyo to spread around the world, and I think that's one way I can repay my gratitude, so I hope to achieve that level of success.
Q: Regarding the previous tournament, it was mentioned that the bitter feeling resurfaced, and I believe it was the last play of the Belgium match. How were you able to connect that bitter feeling at that time?
A, because there was nothing but regret, it has been connected all along. Of course, it has appeared in my dreams and that scene, those 14 seconds, always comes to mind, and I have been suffering. However, that is why I was able to work hard in my daily rigorous training, and even in the midst of not performing well, I had a strong determination to reach that place and prove myself, even with a lot of criticism. It is all a painful memory, but it has become the driving force and has led me to where I am now.
Q, if you participate, it will be your 12th appearance in the World Cup, which is an unprecedented record for the Japan national team. What do you think about that?
A, how about it? Honestly, I'm not that particular about it. I think it's more about how much I can contribute to the Japan national team than the number of appearances I have. So, that applies to the number 4 in the current 4 tournaments as well. I'm not satisfied just by participating. Playing in the World Cup and performing well for the Japan national team is everything to me, so I'm not that particular about that number.
Q, please tell us about your thoughts on participating in the World Cup at the age of 36.
A, four years ago, I was often called an old man, but even at 36 years old after four years, I can still prove that Nagatomo is here. I have confidence in myself that what I have been doing every day and my efforts have not been wrong. I have come this far with a lot of support, so I am grateful for that. I think that by me performing well, the spotlight will be on the people who have supported me, so I will do my best to excel.
Q: Kamata player was also selected from his hometown of Ehime Prefecture. Please share a few words about your feelings towards your hometown Ehime.
A, I grew up in Ehime until I was 15 years old, and I really love the Saijo Festival. Even now, I watch videos of the Saijo Festival and my children can sing the Saijo Festival song. I have such strong feelings for it. I have heard that many people support me in Ehime, so I will do my best to repay their kindness with the spirit of Ehime and the momentum of the Saijo Festival, which I believe made me a festival man.
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