An unparalleled joy and tears from the bottom of my heart. In the 2022 season, Teruhito NAKAGAWA experienced tumultuous times.
In February, he scored the team's first goal in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, and in the final match in November against Vissel Kobe, he marked the last goal. He led Yokohama F.Marinos to their league title after three seasons. Then, at the end of November at the Japan National Stadium, after a friendly match against Roma (Italy), which became the 'Yokohama FM Last Match', he shed large tears without hesitation and bid farewell to the fans and supporters.
I confronted them directly before the first match against my former club.
What kind of entity is Yokohama FM?
I was sure that phrases like "my favorite team" or "like a family" would come to mind, but after a brief silence, a different answer came back than I expected.
"The club that saved me, right?"
Revealing the reason while expressing feelings of gratitude.
"During my senior year of college, I injured my right knee, and it was an injury that made it understandable not to receive any offers. However, I pursued my dream since my sophomore year, and scouts came to the practice field multiple times and made offers. Therefore, I believe the best way to express it is that 'Marinos is the club that saved my football life.'"
At that moment, I vowed in my heart.
The best way to repay Marinos is by winning the league championship.
Therefore, the long and arduous rehabilitation should have led to days of playing with all my might.
However, the reality was harsh. In the rookie year of the 2015 season, he only participated in 2 league matches and 1 match in the Emperor's Cup, and his position within the team did not change significantly in the 2016 season. In the summer, he decided to move on loan to FC Machida Zelvia in J2 League, and after the season ended, he returned to Yokohama FM, but during the 2017 season, he went on a training stint with Avispa Fukuoka, which was then in J2 League. After spending three seasons feeling unfulfilled, he entered his fourth season determined.
"When I returned for the 2018 season, I decided that I would definitely not go on loan this season. No matter how I was treated or if I couldn't play in matches, I was determined to see it through for a year with Marinos. However, if I still couldn't get involved in matches, I was prepared to transfer completely to another team for the next season."
Then, fate begins to move in a good direction. Recognized by coach Ange POSTECOGLOU, who took office in the 2018 season, opportunities to play gradually increased, and by the second half of the season, he established himself as a starter. In the 2019 season, he became a key player and played a crucial role in winning the league title for the first time in 15 seasons. He played a career-high 33 matches, scored a career-high 15 goals, and was crowned the top scorer, also winning the J-League MVP and Best Eleven awards. He swept all the individual awards.
For two seasons after that, I suffered from injuries again and experienced a "painful and frustrating" time. Still, I made a complete comeback in the 2022 season, saying, "I gained the strength to endure during tough times, struggle, and overcome obstacles." I experienced major injuries and had times when I couldn't play, but by not giving up and continuing to push forward, I was able to see the best scenery once again. After achieving my second league championship, the thoughts and emotions I had been vaguely considering since before the final match began to bubble up.
"If I had stayed with Marinos, I might have been able to win more championships, and I had the desire to increase the number of titles, including cup competitions, but I felt that if I were to transfer, this was a good point to do so. I think it's a good timing and a good way to end my time with Marinos."
Half a year has passed since the decision made with unwavering determination, and now I am finally facing the "club that saved me," which taught me that "life has its ups and downs" and allowed me to experience both the bitter and sweet as a professional soccer player. Nakagawa is calm before this "exciting match." There is no sign of nostalgia or sentimentality.
"Of course I like Marinos, but I have to love the team I'm with the most. I've already become immersed in Tokyo. Since I've decided to fight for 'Tokyo,' I will battle with the blue and red spirit. I love Tokyo that much, and I've come with that level of determination. Marinos are now my enemies. I don't think I can play well if I have a fluffy mindset, so I am determined to take down Marinos."
There was a moment when the expression relaxed while listening to the talk ahead of the Yokohama FM match. It was when the topic turned to the "players looking forward to the matchup." While prefacing that there isn't anyone in particular since he gets along with various players, the expected names were mentioned here.
"Kii-bo (Takuya KIDA) and I are thinking of going for a challenge (laughs). Even now, we occasionally go out for meals, and during those times, when I said, 'I'm going to go hard on you,' Kii-bo responded with something like, 'On the contrary, I'll come at you too.' I want to have a fierce battle, as long as we don't get injured."
Finally, I also heard the feelings of the Tricolor fans and supporters who are looking forward to our reunion.
"Ideally, I want to go and greet them after a win, but regardless of the outcome, I will still go, and it's polite to go with a smile even after a loss. Anyway, it would be great if I can show that I'm doing well."
While saying that, he added with a playful and determined expression, "But still, I want to win. I want to win," which was very much like Nakagawa.
Six months after the tearful farewell, when we won against Yokohama FM at home, Ajinomoto, Nakagawa will become a true shining blue and red person.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
