Emotions that were almost forgotten
lit a fire in the heart of a 37-year-old
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
It wasn't the start we had hoped for. However, it was 37-year-old Masato MORISHIGE who brought stability to the backline and supported the blue and red team during difficult times this year. Hungry for playing time and desperate to contribute, he realized his true purpose as a soccer player. With that in mind, what will be the result for jersey number 3 in the 2024 season?
The closing of the column I wrote before the start of this season was like this.
"Deepen the hollows of your cheeks and let your freshly picked ambition spew out. "It's not interesting if you're just sitting cross-legged. I still want to be a fighting man. That's the answer that came out after going around in a circle.""
I was able to spend the season as expected. It may be safe to say that. With the rise of young players this season, I didn't have to warm the bench too much in the early stages of the league.
The frustration of "put me in" swirling in my head, I clench my fist and immerse myself in training once again. This situation reminded me of emotions that I had almost forgotten. "This is it after all," a smile naturally appeared on my face.
"I was able to remember the feeling of my younger days, thinking 'I'm going to take the starting position' as I entered the bench for the first time in a while. I also realized that my condition was improving. Despite the frustration, I was able to turn it into strength and experience a feeling that I hadn't felt in the past 10 years. Looking back now, I can say that it was also enjoyable. I can only look forward now."
There was never a time when my heart was broken. I always continued to challenge for a regular position with a positive attitude.
"If I didn't do that, I couldn't get a starting position. It's a shortcut, and I've played soccer and seen many people. I've also seen people who don't slack off in training even when it's tough, and they end up winning in the end. I've accepted half of it, but I've also thought 'damn it' and worked on it."
At 37 years old, it was also a significant discovery that such emotions arose from within.
"By being in that kind of place, I also discovered that it lit a fire in my heart. Until now, I was able to go to the national team and receive positive stimulation and be able to burn. It was like that since last season, but I was able to turn adversity around and turn the frustrating desire to prove myself into strength and enjoy it."
Whenever the team is in a tough situation, Masato MORISHIGE's name is always on the roster. Not only in league matches, but also in cup matches, he has fought through 120 minutes of intense battles. This season, he is determined to start with a fresh mindset.
"What is it...? Devoting 24 hours to soccer as a soccer player. There may have been times when I could get away with it. But now, I can't get away with it. When I was young, I also focused on soccer to aim for the national team. In addition to that, I have to always be on guard, including maintaining my body. I thought I had been doing that, but I realized this season that it wasn't enough. But on the other hand, I thought that if I did that, I could still do it. If my mind and body are in sync, I can grasp the ability to move my body greatly."
There is freshness in every word. "Still, more and more," Mori Shige's freshly picked ambition knows no bounds.
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
