[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. Of course, there are good memories from the World Cups, but I think there have been more World Cups where I felt regret. So, as I have said many times, I believe that regret can only be resolved on the World Cup stage. The same goes for the Russia tournament—I have come this far carrying a very painful regret and a wound in my heart. I absolutely want to achieve the best possible result to heal that.
Since it is a team sport, it is important for the team to unite as one. Of course, not only the players on the field but also those who are not playing must come together as one in spirit for the team to achieve results. Drawing on my experience from three tournaments, I want to be the team's mental pillar and a kind of power spot, encouraging and delivering energy, and I hope to be part of that as well.
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 was probably the wonderful criticism from everyone. It was painful but also became my energy, so I have always said criticism is like gasoline, and that is truly the case. Conversely, those criticisms and the articles everyone writes have motivated me and ignited a fire in my soul. Also, as I overcame those hardships, I believe I became mentally stronger. I have been trained by everyone to the point where I might become a mental monster if this continues, so I want to give back that strength not only to myself but also to the team, and work hard to contribute to 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 truly surprised by the omission of the two players, and since they are comrades with whom I have overcome hardships and fought alongside, I feel very sad and disappointed. However, it might be an exaggeration to say I carry their feelings, but I want to do my best to bring the hearts of these comrades who have fought together all the way to Qatar, so that we can 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, my past evaluations and self-assessments have never been high, so I have never been satisfied. That is precisely why I have been able to keep working hard with dreams and goals. Also, in my first World Cup, I represented FC Tokyo, my beloved club, at the South Africa tournament. After spending 11 years overseas, I have returned to this beloved club, and being able to participate in the World Cup, a global tournament, carrying the name of FC Tokyo fills me with great pride. Above all, I want people to say, "Who is that guy? That 36-year-old runs like a monster. Which team does he play for?" and for the name FC Tokyo to spread worldwide through that. I see that as one way to give back, so I want to perform at that level.
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, It was nothing but frustration, so it has always stayed with me. Of course, it has even appeared in my dreams, and at unexpected moments, that scene—the 14 seconds, I believe—constantly comes to mind, causing me a lot of pain. However, precisely because of that, I was able to push through the tough daily training, and even when my performance was lacking and I faced a lot of criticism, I was determined to definitely reach that point and prove everyone wrong. All of it is a painful memory, but it has become my driving force and is connected 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, I wonder. To be honest, I’m not that particular about it. I think it’s more about how much I can contribute to the Japan national team rather than the number of appearances I’ve made. That applies to the number four for the four tournaments as well, but I’m not satisfied with just participating. Playing in the World Cup matches and performing well for the Japan national team is everything to me, so I’m not that fixated on the numbers.
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 told I was quite old, but now, four years later at 36, I have been able to show that Nagatomo is still here. I am confident that the daily efforts and hard work I have put in were not in vain. Also, I have come this far thanks to a lot of support, and I am grateful for that. By performing well, I believe I can shine a spotlight on those who have supported me, so I will do my best to succeed.
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 was raised in Ehime until I was 15, and I really love the Saijo Festival. Even now, I watch videos of the Saijo Festival, and my children can sing the Saijo Festival songs—that’s how strong my feelings are. I’ve heard that many people are supporting me from Ehime, so with the spirit of Ehime and the momentum of the Saijo Festival, which I believe made me the festival man I am today, I will do my best to give back in any way I can.
