‘I’m staying’: Wataru Endo shuts down Liverpool exit rumours | OneFootball

Wataru Endo has stated his intention to remain at Liverpool, despite ongoing speculation over his future following a season of limited game time.

The 32-year-old midfielder was used sparingly by the Reds, registering just one Premier League start and making a total of 32 appearances across all competitions.

Endo clocked up only 844 minutes in official matches last season, mostly appearing as a substitute. Despite this peripheral role, he insists he is not actively seeking a move away from Anfield.

Speaking to the Abema Times, the Japan captain admitted that rumours of a transfer have been widespread.

“Everyone’s talking about it,” he said. “My friends contact me, even my family ask what we are going to do.”

While acknowledging that he has discussed his future with teammates, Endo was clear about his priorities.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m staying,” he added. “I think Liverpool is a club that is worth that much.

If you ask me if I want to throw away the chance to play for Liverpool and move to another team, the answer is ‘no’.”

Endo underlined that competing for trophies with Liverpool remains his primary focus.

When asked directly whether fans could expect him to stay at Liverpool next season, his response was firm: “Yes, you can expect that – for now, he said.”

Although Marseille tested Liverpool’s resolve with an offer last summer, they turned it down. Endo, who joined from Stuttgart for £16.9 million in 2023, is entering the final two years of his contract.

He is behind Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield hierarchy, and Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton ahead of the new season.

Endo acknowledged that his role off the bench was not ideal. “Of course, I’m not satisfied,” he admitted. “But I kept thinking about how I could contribute to the team in the situation I was in.”

He added that coming on late in games to help secure wins was a responsibility he embraced. “In a way, it was a role that I earned for myself,” he said.”