“It was Amazing!” – Wataru Endo on Returning to Japan in Liverpool’s Pre-Season Victory | OneFootball

Wataru Endo’s Homecoming: A Liverpool Dream Realised in Japan

For Wataru Endo, the significance of stepping out onto Japanese soil as a Liverpool player was deeply personal and emotionally charged. The 32-year-old midfielder experienced one of football’s rarest gifts: a return home at the peak of his professional journey. In front of a passionate crowd at the Nissan Stadium, Endo was welcomed not just as a visiting player, but as a symbol of national pride.

Introduced in the second half of Liverpool’s 3-1 pre-season win over Yokohama F. Marinos, Endo replaced Virgil van Dijk, who handed him the captain’s armband. That gesture from his teammate, combined with the cheers from his compatriots, made the moment unforgettable.

“It was an amazing moment for me because I came back to Japan as a Liverpool player. For me, it meant a lot. It was an amazing moment for me,” Endo told Liverpoolfc.com. “First of all, I really appreciate my manager and Virg because of what they have done to me. I think it was a great gesture. I think all Japanese people maybe wanted me to be captain!”

Photo: IMAGO

Family, Faith and Football

Endo’s homecoming was not just about representing Liverpool, or Japan. It was also about family. With relatives in the stands, it was an intimate reunion disguised as a football match.

“All my family came to watch the game today, so I think they were very excited to watch this game today. I’m happy that I could show this game to my family. They are happy.”

Liverpool had to work for the win after Asahi Uenaka gave Yokohama the lead. But goals from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha ensured the Premier League champions ended their Asia tour on a high.

“Yokohama is in the middle of the season, so they are very fit,” Endo added. “I think they played well, especially in the first half. It’s not easy for us to beat them but, of course, we needed to show we are Liverpool and we are champions of the Premier League. I’m happy with the result.”

Slot’s Trust and Tactical Flexibility

Arne Slot, entering his second season at Liverpool after delivering a Premier League title in his debut campaign, confirmed that Endo’s introduction was no accident. The gesture was a reward for the midfielder’s often understated but invaluable role in last season’s triumph.

Slot deployed Endo at centre-back for the final half hour, a position he’s comfortable with from earlier in his career.

“I don’t mind where I play. I just give 100 per cent, even if I play No.6 or centre-back or right-back,” Endo said. “I played as a centre-back when I played in Japan, so I don’t mind which position I play and I just give 100 per cent every time.”

From Aspiration to Achievement

What makes Endo’s story resonate so strongly, particularly in Japan, is the sense of coming full circle. Years ago, he trialled at Liverpool but didn’t make the cut. Now, he’s a Premier League champion, a national icon, and a leader on the pitch.

“I supported this club actually and I went to [a] trial but I couldn’t join this club. Now I came back here as a player of [Liverpool]. It was a dream-come-true moment.”

Wataru Endo may not be Liverpool’s flashiest name, but in Japan, he is a beacon of what’s possible — proof that perseverance and professionalism can lead you home, not just as a player, but as a symbol.