Hotaka NAKAMURA, who suffered a major injury of a ruptured right Achilles tendon in the 2023 Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League Sec. 10 match against Albirex Niigata, has returned to full team practice after a long 9-month absence. He spoke about his determination for this season, the bond with his teammates during his rehabilitation period, the success of his fellow players, and his thoughts for the fans and supporters.
Q, On January 27th, I joined the full practice, including game-style training. Did you have any new feelings when you came back?
A, Keigo HIGASHI was told, "You have a good face." I thought soccer was fun, and I think that feeling naturally showed on my face. There are many things I think about when I'm on the pitch, but the most important thing is that I can enjoy soccer. The feeling of running up the pitch, and the feeling of "this is where I belong, I've come back here," are what I feel. But it's just a return to the start. It was a day when I was able to prepare for a new battle from here.
Q, After a period of 9 months, I returned to full team practice. During this time, what were you thinking about?
A, Honestly, there are too many things and I don't remember some parts. To sum it up, it was really tough. Regarding the healing process of the Achilles tendon and rehabilitation, I was supported by many people including trainers and doctors. I was able to think "I have to do it" and come this far without compromise, but it took a lot of time to accept the reality of being injured and the mental aspect was really tough.
Q, despite approaching the 2023 season with great determination, it was cut short due to a serious injury. I think the frustration still lingers strongly.
A, In the 2022 season under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, it was a really difficult season for me personally, but I also gained a lot. I couldn't accept not achieving results with the Tokyo team, and I thought it would be like running away from the current situation. I questioned myself about that and have been fighting with determination every season, but in the 2023 season, I had a strong desire that I couldn't put into words, and I was able to continue scoring and assisting at a good pace from the camp to the start of the league. If I could play throughout the season, I could see a whole new world - that's what I thought. It took me some time to accept the injury at that time.
Q, During the injury period, did you gain any new sensations or things?
A, No matter how much you study and take care of your body, there is always a risk of getting injured. Some people may not get injured even without careful care. In a way, I think there is an element of luck involved. If you keep thinking about the injury, it can lead to denying everything you have done so far, which is something I wanted to avoid. I accepted that the injury happened and during the recovery period, I talked to the trainer every day and listened to their opinions, which helped me have a dialogue with my body.
I have no regrets about injuring myself. When I look back at myself before the injury, I can confidently say that I did everything I could. As I mentioned earlier, there is always a risk of injury and there are many times when there is nothing you can do about it. Fundamentally, I worked with the trainer to figure out how to heal and improve. The most important thing was to fully recover from the Achilles tendon injury and come back at 100%. I believe that I have always been able to create a state where I can say that I have done everything I can without regretting the days I have spent, even if something happens.
I have experienced the biggest slump in my life, and there were times when I couldn't see the future and thought I couldn't play soccer anymore. It was the same when I suffered a knee injury, my mental state fluctuated and I inevitably went in a negative direction. In terms of mindset, I have been supported by so many people. If I had been alone, I would have surely failed, but in terms of managing my mental state, I was able to maintain a stable and small range of fluctuations, which was one of the areas where I was able to grow.
Q, during the rehabilitation period, you actively participated in team activities.
A, I received a request to become the player representative at the beginning of the season. I had not considered becoming the player representative myself, but I had decided that if I were to do it, I would do everything I could both on and off the pitch. If it ultimately helps Tokyo, I will give my all both on and off the pitch. In the 2023 season, I unfortunately got injured and when I thought about what I could do, I realized that I couldn't contribute on the pitch, but there were many ways I could contribute off the pitch. With the desire to do what I could, I got involved in various things.
Q: In the part that says "people who supported me", the message T-shirt to Nakamura, who was injured, was very impressive.
A, Regarding that T-shirt incident, I was of course not informed about anything and was watching the Kawasaki Frontale match on DAZN in the hospital room just after my surgery. After the game ended, I noticed that the players were all wearing the same T-shirt and upon closer inspection, there was a message written on it, which surprised me. The fact that my teammates were waiting for me, and that they were wearing the T-shirt during this long recovery period after my surgery, really struck me when I saw the footage. My teammates fought desperately and won the Tama River Clasico, and they wore the message T-shirt for me. If there are people who are willing to wait for me like this, it would be unfair for me to dwell on the negatives, and I wondered if I would be able to see everyone again in this state. It was a very difficult time, but it was also a moment when I made up my mind and it became a source of support during the tough times.
"Behind the Birth of the 'with Hotaka ~ Message T-Shirt' is"here
Q, At the same time, there were also messages from fans and supporters.
A, it may sound like a cliche, but I was able to feel once again that "I am not alone". As mentioned earlier, many people have sent me messages and are waiting for my return, so I felt that I must go back to that place. I will turn negative things and painful feelings into power and do whatever it takes to come back. That is the only way I can repay the fans and supporters, and no matter how cool things I say, as a player, I can only repay them through soccer and playing. The only thing I can do is to show my performance on the pitch for the fans and supporters. There will be tough battles and competition for positions, but I want to believe in myself and do my best.
Q, I'm looking forward to it, including the position battle.
A, I don't think there is a single player who has been guaranteed a starting position this season, as the team has become very competitive in every position. However, that's just how it is in the world of professional soccer. There's no excuse for being injured. I also want to jump into the intense competition from the beginning and prove my abilities by securing a position.
Q, don't you also have a strong desire not to lose to players like Shuto ABE and Kazuya KONNO?
A, of course, there is joy in their current performance, but to be honest, the feeling of regret is even greater. I myself was delayed due to injury, but I am ready to catch up. I think that being able to say "Konn-chan and Shuuto, wait for me. I'll catch up and surpass you soon" is what it means to be in the same year. Our positions may be different, but we are classmates, comrades, and two people who absolutely do not want to lose. We will definitely catch up.
