While envisioning the vision after returning,
"Patiently without rushing"
DF 50 Renta HIGASHI
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are facing the opening, thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with? The players' stories, hidden in their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their desire to perform, and the roles they must fulfill──. Renta HIGASHI is spending his days in rehabilitation. In the 2023 season, his long-awaited professional debut, official game debut, and experience on a loan transfer seemed to be going smoothly, but his career took an unexpected turn due to a major injury. He is forced to endure a situation where he is not even allowed to jog before the opening. However, we will convey his thoughts as he continues to look forward to his return, even in such adversity.
Even though I finally achieved my dream of becoming a professional, I can't even run now. Not being able to kick the ball is a cruel story for a teenage soccer player who has to put it on hold for a while.
"Not being able to kick the ball is really tough. But I think when you start to realize that things you thought were normal aren't actually normal, it becomes easier to accept."
In his first year as a professional, he spent the first half of the season in Tokyo, only playing in the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round match against Fukushima United FC. However, he said, "I felt the gratitude of being able to play in that one match and the difference in growth. That's why I decided to transfer," and he sought a place to shine in the J3 League with SC Sagamihara on a developmental loan.
At the new club, he had started in the first three games and had a good start. However, after suffering a right medial collateral ligament injury that required 6 weeks of recovery, he then suffered a left anterior cruciate ligament rupture and left knee lateral collateral ligament injury, which was diagnosed to require approximately 10 months of recovery upon his return.
"(In Sagamihara) I was able to play in the game and felt the momentum. I was quite depressed and was very discouraged. The post-operative hospital life also had a big impact on my mental state. But as time passed, I was able to switch my feelings. Now I am trying to stay positive. The biggest support for me was that my same-aged teammate, Yoshiki NARAHARA (Sagan Tosu), also suffered the same injury at the same time, and we were able to encourage each other and say "Let's do our best together"."
Still not even allowed to jog. Still, I'll take a deep breath and try to learn soccer again, "I'm also trying to raise my soccer IQ and face things that I can only do now," and I'm focusing on leveling up off the pitch. In the midst of daily muscle training and injury prevention, "imagining my vision after returning" is the greatest source of energy.
"The best thing is to return during this season and be involved in games. Even if that is not possible, I want to be able to face the next season in the best condition. I am still unable to jog, but I am currently working on regaining strength in my upper and lower body. I am trying to stay positive by focusing on the fact that I am able to do more and more each day."
A skilled player who can easily dive into the pocket. He has been loved by many seniors. The lovable defender is burning with desire for the rolling ball. His purity will surely elevate the joy of returning. Now, he is telling himself to "take it easy and be patient".
text by Tadashi BABA (freelance writer)
