Without lifting the trophy
one cannot leave their mark on the club's history
DF 5 Yuto NAGATOMO
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The story of the players who have club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill - Yuto NAGATOMO, who continues to grow with unwavering effort and overwhelming ambition. His footsteps are extremely brilliant to those around him. However, he is not satisfied at all. He understands better than anyone else what he should bring to Tokyo.
Having traveled through the top teams in Europe and making four consecutive appearances in the FIFA World Cup, he still says with a straight face, "I've never been satisfied." In an attempt to understand the thought process of this man, we try to engage in a rally of words. However, I always end up getting dizzy from his intense passion.
"Because our goals and dreams are always high. As a result, our aspirations become higher and our awareness becomes higher. Ultimately, if our goals are low, we will be satisfied. That's why I am still not satisfied at all."
I have been chasing after myself who is one step ahead. In the gap between limits and uncertainties, I have overcome many walls that were said to be impossible with criticism as fuel. With endless effort, I have achieved a lot but still remain hungry. The memory of the recorder is always filled with youthful and passionate words. Since my 20s, I have been shining and sparkling. Its ripple effect is tremendous, and it has the power to naturally involve those around me.
However, the legend of such a universally recognized club denies it outright.
"No, no, my name is not engraved in this club. Tokyo's Yuto NAGATOMO is too mediocre and unsatisfactory. Only by raising the trophy can one leave their mark in history. If I don't leave my mark, I will retire and leave Tokyo with nothing. Will I end up with nothing and leave without leaving a mark? Or will I leave my mark in this club's history? I believe there is a world of difference between the two."
He is seriously challenging the unprecedented 5 consecutive appearances in the World Cup. He has always spoken out his dreams and made them come true. It's a make-or-break situation, a high-stakes game. He is still shining in the midst of it all. The greatest Yuto NAGATOMO is always running in front of him. Surely, he can see his figure clearly.
Build up your strength and never draw a line at your limits. The line that someone else drew is only a goal to overcome. This season, I want to have the toughness towards myself once again and set the pace.
"I want to be harder on myself than anyone else. That way, we can demand the best from each other and help each other improve."
Those words make me realize, "Oh, that's right." It's impossible to understand in the first place. There are no other men who can make my heart burn like this.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
