FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with player Ryunosuke Sato (FC Tokyo U-18) and held a press conference at the Japan National Stadium on August 26th (Saturday). We will now deliver Sato's comments along with comments from President and CEO Shigeya Kawagishi and General Manager Mitsushiro Obara, who were present at the conference.
Representative Director and President Shigeya Kawagishi
FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with Ryunosuke Sato, a player who is currently a member of FC Tokyo U-18. This professional contract is a result of the club's continued efforts in player development at the academy.
Although he is only a second-year high school student, he has already made his official debut in the J-League's Levain Cup in March, and in terms of being a starting member, he has surpassed the club's youngest record held by Takefusa KUBO (currently playing for Real Sociedad). In the game he played, he showed an impressive performance on the professional pitch, and in order to provide him with the experience of playing at a professional level at an early stage and promote his growth, we have signed a professional contract.
In the recently held U-17 Asian Cup, he showed a very impressive performance and made a big contribution to the Japanese national team. In November, he will be participating in the U-17 World Cup, and we have high expectations for his performance on the world stage. As for us, we hope to support his growth as a key player for the future, and we hope that he will be selected for the Japanese national team and become a player who represents not only FC Tokyo but also Japan.
＜Mitsushiro OBARA GM＞
We would like to express our gratitude to all the club's coaches and staff involved in the development process, as well as the soccer professionals, school officials, and family members, including Ryo Sato, for their support in enabling us to sign a professional contract with such a promising player. The decision to sign a professional contract in this manner was made based on a comprehensive evaluation of Ryo Sato's performance and achievements in the academy and various age-group national teams, with the belief that it will further accelerate his growth.
I think that in terms of play, especially in terms of the ability to read the game, the ability to see the opponent, the height of physical ability including high-intensity exercise, and quickness, they stand out head and shoulders above players of the same generation. In terms of offense and defense, the ability to choose the opponent's weak points, intelligence, and the ability to firmly take leadership and communication are necessary for Tokyo to win the league, and I am looking forward to them becoming a key player in the team. Of course, there are challenges and further growth is needed, but I want to support Sato as he faces them and become a top player in Japan and even spread his wings in the world.
Q: Can I participate in the activities of both U-18 and the top team?
As an A, second-class registered player, you can participate in the activities of the top team from training. If you can be involved in future league matches and Levain Cup as a member, you will accompany as a member of the official match, and even if it is difficult, I think that participating in official matches at the current age of player Sato will lead to the most growth, so there are options such as returning to the activities of U-18 and participating in the Premier League or participating in practice matches of the top team. I would like to discuss while always choosing the stage where player Sato can grow the most.
During the pre-season camp, there was a moment when I was watching Sato and thought that he could definitely compete well in the professional world. Without saying anything, Sato ran up to Nagatomo and jogged together, asking him various things and showing his high communication skills. I could sense his desire to improve and draw something out from Nagatomo. Also, there was a scene where Matsuki said to me, "Sato will become an amazing player." When I asked Sato himself for the reason, he said, "Our way of thinking and speaking are similar." I felt the potential and mental strength of Sato that made Matsuki say such things.
Ryunosuke SATO player
I am Ryunosuke SATO, who has recently signed a professional contract with Tokyo. I am delighted to be able to play as a professional player as a member of the club I have admired since I was a child. I believe that I have only just started at the starting line of a professional contract, so I want to have the awareness of a professional player from here on and play with a focus on results. I will continue to make efforts to become a player who will "ignite" not only Tokyo but the whole of Japan. Thank you for your support.
Q: Please share your honest feelings when you received the offer for a professional contract.
A, the most important thing is to be genuinely happy. Being able to play with professional players on the stage that I had set as a goal, and considering my own future growth, I had no hesitation in signing the contract.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on being able to sign a professional contract at this timing.
A, the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship ended with a runner-up finish, but there were many personal achievements. I think it was a very good timing to sign a professional contract at this time, as we look forward to the Club World Cup and the Premier League in the future.
Q: Did you participate in the pre-season camp this season? If so, is there anything that left an impression on you?
A, the most impressive thing that remains in my memory is when Yuto NAGATOMO, who returned from the World Cup, talked about his national team activities and his life as a professional player. I think Yuto's words and his approach to soccer have had a great influence on me. Yuto is someone I admire and aspire to be like. Although our positions are different, there are very few players in Japan who have played in the World Cup four times and achieved success on the world stage. So, I will do my best to surpass Yuto and continue to strive.
