(Photo credit score: USA Today Network)
Japanese captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the World Cup because of damage Thursday and introduced his retirement from worldwide competitors.
The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder has been coping with an ankle damage that required surgical procedure in February. He hoped to be match for the competitors in North America, however skilled discomfort and performed solely the primary half in a May 31 tune-up pleasant in opposition to Iceland.
The news comes simply three days earlier than Japan open Group F play in opposition to Netherlands on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
Endo has scored 4 objectives in 73 caps for Japan since his 2015 debut with the nationwide staff. He helped the staff attain the Round of 16 on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
‘As introduced, I will likely be stepping away from the World Cup squad,’ Endo wrote on social media.
‘Of course, there’s frustration at not having the ability to take part on this World Cup, however greater than that, I’m pleased with how we have grown collectively because the Qatar World Cup — me as captain, main this staff and turning our aim of ‘successful the World Cup’ into one thing we are able to say as a matter in fact.
‘The present staff is actually an exquisite staff. I consider they may overcome any adversity and present us sights we have by no means seen earlier than.
‘With this marketing campaign, I will likely be retiring from the nationwide staff. So from right here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan nationwide staff as one of many followers. The second when the Japan nationwide staff wins the World Cup will certainly come some day. Let’s consider in that and cheer them on collectively.
‘And let’s unite Japan’s energy as one in order that second comes on this match –everyone, let’s tackle the North and Central America World Cup collectively!! Everyone, give it every part you’ve got obtained.’
Shuto Machino, a striker for Bundesliga membership Borussia Monchengladbach, changed Endo on the 26-man World Cup roster.
Japan will even face Tunisia on June 20 in Guadalupe, Mexico, and Sweden on June 25 in Arlington, Texas.
–Field Level Media