[Comment]
Hello everyone. I'm Yuto NAGATOMO from FC Tokyo.
Selected as a member of the Japan national team for this World Cup.
Since being chosen, the play at the World Cup four years ago has been revived, and in these four years, there have been many difficult, enjoyable, and painful things, but I have come this far with the determination to avenge that regret at 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 3 tournaments, what kind of experiences do you want to utilize, Yuto Nagatomo? What are the key points to pay attention to against strong countries in order to achieve your goals?
A, yes. First of all, I have experienced three World Cups, and of course there are good memories, but I think I have more regrets in the World Cups. So, I have said this many times, but I think I can only heal that regret on the World Cup stage, so even in the Russia tournament, I have come this far with a very painful feeling, so I want to leave the best result to heal it.
In team sports, it is important for the team to come together as one. Not only the players who are playing in the game, but also those who are not playing, need to have their hearts united in order to achieve results. Drawing on my experience from three tournaments, I hope to be a spiritual pillar and a source of courage and energy for everyone, and I also hope to be able to join in with them.
Q, Over the past 4 years, I think there have been some really tough times, but what was the most difficult time for you, Nagatomo-san, and how did you overcome it to get to where you are now?
A, difficult things... yes... I think the most difficult thing was the wonderful criticism from everyone. It was difficult, but it also gave me energy, so I have always said that criticism is like gasoline for me, and it's really true. On the other hand, I think that criticism and the articles written by everyone have motivated me and lit a fire in my soul. Also, as I overcame those difficult things, I think I became mentally stronger. I was trained by everyone to the point where I thought I might become a mental monster, so I want to contribute not only to myself but also to the team by returning that strength and working hard for the team's success.
Q, Osako and Haraguchi were not selected, but in this case where there are no such players, do you think Nagatomo will lead the team and play a role in conveying the experience of world standards?
A, I was really surprised and it was tough to overcome together with my teammates who have been fighting with me, so it's a very sad feeling and I'm disappointed. However, I want to do my best to bring my teammates' hearts with me to Qatar and fight together, even if it may be too much to say that it's the feelings of the two people.
Q, Looking back, you have participated in the World Cup for the first time with FC Tokyo, and then also participated with Inter Milan and Galatasaray, and will once again participate as a player for FC Tokyo. It is quite rare for a team to change this much, and it will also be your first time being selected as a member for four consecutive tournaments as a field player. Can you tell us about this historic record?
A, I have never been satisfied with my past evaluations or my own evaluations. That's why I think I am able to work hard with dreams and goals. Also, in the first World Cup, I represented my beloved club FC Tokyo and fought in the South Africa tournament, and I have been overseas for 11 years, but I am very proud to be able to return to this beloved club and represent FC Tokyo in the World Cup, a global competition. Anyway, I want to make a name for myself and FC Tokyo in the world, and I think that is my way of giving back, so I want to perform well enough to be called a monster at the age of 36 and have people wonder who that is and which team I play for.
Q, Regarding the previous tournament, it was mentioned that the bitter feelings came back, and I think it was the last play of the Belgium match. How did you connect those bitter feelings at that time?
A, I only had regret, so I've been connected all this time. Of course, it has appeared in my dreams and even now, that scene, those 14 seconds, always comes to mind and I've had a hard time with it. However, that's why I was able to push through the tough daily training and even with my performance not being good, I was able to reach that place and always had a strong determination to prove myself, even with all the criticism. It's all a painful memory, but it has become my driving force and I believe it has led me to where I am now.
Q, What do you think about the record of being the sole first place in the Japan national team with 12 appearances at the World Cup if you participate?
A, how is it? Honestly, I'm not that particular about it. I think it's more important to contribute to the Japan national team than the numbers I've played. So even though I've played in four World Cups, I'm not satisfied with just participating. Playing in the World Cup and performing for the Japan national team is everything to me, so I'm not that concerned about the numbers.
Q, please tell us about your thoughts on participating in the World Cup at the age of 36.
A, I have been told that I am an old man even 4 years ago, but even at the age of 36, Nagatomo is still here, and I am confident that what I have been doing every day and my efforts have not been wrong. I am grateful for the support that has brought me here, and I will do my best to shine the spotlight on those who have supported me by performing well.
Q, Kamata player was also selected from his hometown of Ehime Prefecture. Please share a few words about your feelings towards your hometown of Ehime.
A, I grew up in Ehime until I was 15 years old, and I really love the Saijo Festival. Even now, I watch videos of the Saijo Festival and my children can sing the Saijo Festival song. I have such strong feelings for it. I have heard that many people support me in Ehime, so I will do my best to repay the love and energy of Ehime and the Saijo Festival, which I believe made me the festival man that I am today.
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