April 13, 2024. In the stage of the J1 League, the match against Tokyo Verdy, which was realized for the first time in 16 seasons, was in a desperate situation, with two points behind in the first half and a player sent off. The green team was boiling in front of the blue and red team, who were feeling down. The Ajinomoto Stadium, which is usually home to them, was swallowed up by the "farthest color".
Number 22, Keita ENDO, sweeps away such a heavy atmosphere. Just 7 minutes after stepping onto the pitch, in the 23rd minute of the second half, he kicks in a cross from Kosuke SHIRAI on the counter, narrowing the gap to one point. Then, in the almost last play of the game, in the 45+4th minute of the second half, he flashes his left foot in front of the goal. He strikes a powerful shot, preserving the blue and red pride. At the same time, it was also the moment when the name of player PREMIST, Yasushi ENDO, was engraved in the club's history.
"I think that game was a game that changed how I was seen when I came to Tokyo. This season, there have been many games that I couldn't play due to injury, and I haven't even reached half of the playing time, and the result of 4 goals is not satisfactory. However, even when talking to fans and supporters, there are many opportunities to talk about those 2 goals. I think those were very important goals. I was able to understand the strong feelings that fans and supporters have for the derby, more than I thought."
Endo, who looked back on the two important goals, including his first goal in Tokyo, as precious memories, couldn't help but let out his true feelings after saying, "But..." without pausing.
"We didn't win in the end. Even though it ended in a draw with 10 players, it's being portrayed as a heroic tale, but that's not the case. Honestly, in the first half, the players weren't able to respond to the atmosphere of the fans and supporters."
During his time in Germany, he experienced the intense atmosphere and fierce battles between Hertha Berlin and Hannover as a member of Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig, respectively. He knows that in derbies, the result is everything.
"I think that because the last game ended in a draw, the next game will be the one to settle it. Even if it's a little dirty, we have to win no matter what cards we get. It's a derby that is made possible by the feelings, grudges, and history of both fans and supporters, so I want to savor the happiness of being able to play in such an environment and fight."
The remarks are straightforward, and for Endo, who sometimes sends strong messages to the team, it was just enough to bring back one point in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, where they were handed a humiliating 0-3 score at home, and the match against Kawasaki Frontale in the previous round, which was also disappointing. After the break, despite being in a position to aim for the top, they were unable to accumulate points in these two matches and have completely dropped out of the top fight. Without hiding the current situation, they are expressing their sense of crisis straight to the point.
"Even if Gamba Osaka and Kawasaki have a lackluster game, the fans and supporters will give us a boost and I think there is a thin thread connecting us. But if we lose here, there is a possibility that we will be completely abandoned. There is no doubt that this is a crucial match for the club. I think it will be a turning point game."
"In order to shout "Tokyo is blue and red", and to show the dignity of the capital club, it is absolutely unacceptable to lose at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. Endo's determination is already set for the game where only victory is the correct answer."
"No matter who becomes the hero, the most important thing is to win. However, players are always in the spotlight. Because of the previous game, I know that I will be noticed, but if that's the case, I want to score one more goal."
Four months after saving the team from the brink of defeat and etching his name in club history, Keita ENDO will become a legend on August 17, 2024.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
