The emotions I had almost forgotten
that ignited the heart of a 37-year-old
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, player by player. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each individual.
It was not the start I had hoped for. However, it was Masato MORISHIGE, who turned 37 this year, that brought stability to the final line and supported the team during tough times. What he realized, driven by his hunger for playing opportunities and his desperate efforts, was the essence of being a football player. What number 3 has gained for the 2024 season, fueled by such feelings, is──.
This is how the conclusion of the column drawn before the start of this season was.
The deep hollows of the cheeks, freshly picked ambition spills out like this. "It's not interesting to just sit back. I still want to be a fighting man. That's the answer that has come full circle."
I was able to have a season just as those words suggest. I might say that. This season, with the rise of young players, there were times in the early part of the league where I spent time on the bench.
The frustration of thinking, "Let me out," makes me clench my fists again and immerse myself in training. Such a situation has awakened feelings I had almost forgotten. I couldn't help but smile, thinking, "This is it after all."
"It's been a while since I've been on the bench often, and I was able to remember the feeling of wanting to take a starting position, just like when I was younger. I could feel my condition improving because of that. Even though I had some frustrating feelings, I turned that into strength and experienced emotions that I hadn't felt in over a decade. Looking back now, I can say that it was enjoyable. I'm only looking forward from here."
There was never a moment of giving up. I always faced the competition for my position positively.
"If I didn't do that, I wouldn't have made the starting lineup. That's the shortcut, and through my experience in soccer and seeing various people, I've witnessed that those who don't neglect their training, even in tough times, ultimately succeed. I accepted half of it, while the other half I approached with a 'Damn it' attitude."
At 37 years old, it was also a significant discovery that such feelings arose from within.
"By placing myself in such an environment, I discovered that it ignites a fire in my heart again. Until now, I was able to feel motivated by receiving positive stimulation when I went to the national team. It has been like this since last season, but I found it enjoyable to turn the frustration of wanting to bounce back from adversity and prove myself into strength."
Whenever the team was in a difficult situation, Masato MORISHIGE's name was always on the roster. Not only in league matches but also in cup competitions, he fought through intense battles lasting 120 minutes. This season is fostering a new sense of determination.
"I wonder... As a soccer player, I dedicate 24 hours to soccer. Until now, there may have been times when I could get by with some tricks. But those tricks no longer work. When I was younger, I pursued soccer to aim for the national team. Apart from that, including body maintenance, I have to stay alert in a way. I thought I had been doing that until now, but this season made me realize that it was still not enough. However, conversely, I thought that if I do that, I can still go further. As long as my mind and body are in sync, I can grasp how to move my body effectively."
The words are imbued with freshness. "Not yet, more and more," there is no end to Morishige's freshly picked ambition.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
