Long rehabilitation overcome
Preparation for the future
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.
For Renta HIGASHI, it was a season of trying to break out of a long tunnel. Last season, he sought a place to shine in the J3 League with SC Sagamihara on a developmental loan, but just as he started to gain playing time, he suffered consecutive injuries. In November, he was diagnosed with a ruptured left anterior cruciate ligament and damage to the left knee's lateral support structure, with an estimated recovery time of about 10 months. Now back in Tokyo for this season, what has he been thinking and working on to improve himself as he faces his return?
It was the second year as a professional after starting with rehabilitation. Still, Renta HIGASHI said, "My spirit never broke. I even tried to enjoy rehabilitation." Even with small things, I tried to increase the number of things I could do. I made an effort to spend each day in a way that I would be told "You've changed. You've grown" when I returned.
Switching gears, he actively worked on physical transformation, saying "It's a good opportunity." By the time summer arrived, it was clear that his body had become thicker, and it was evident that he was putting those words into practice.
There were pleasant surprises as I accumulated days of diligence. The initial return date was October, but rehabilitation progressed smoothly and the return was moved up by 2 months.
"I am able to shorten my rehabilitation period thanks to the physiotherapist Miyama (Yukihisa) and the staff. I am also grateful for the support of those around me for not having to leave again after my return, so I am able to play with true gratitude."
After returning, I continued to search for small steps of growth, just like my rehabilitation life.
"My physical condition has improved compared to before I got injured. I have been working to regain my senses and return to my original condition. I am happy that I am able to do more and my body moves as I want it to, and I am able to do things that I couldn't do before my return. I have also been able to play longer in the red and white games and practice matches, and I have been able to grow as a player. I have also been able to learn from watching my teammates play and improve by receiving advice from them."
Such time will make him spit out new goals from his mouth.
"First of all, I have to surpass my previous self before I can contribute to the game. Rather than going back to my old self, I want to become a better player. I want to demonstrate my physical strength through my play and be able to handle situations well by using my voice. That's the kind of player I want to be."
Although my long-awaited J1 league debut was postponed, I was able to make my first appearance on the bench in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 34 match against Vissel Kobe. I wasn't able to play in the game, but just stepping over the touchline and standing on the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium made my dream come true.
"I want to challenge myself to be involved in as many games as possible next season. When I can't play in a game, I think it's important to be prepared for that and I want to build a solid foundation here. I've been a ball person since my days with FC Tokyo U-18 and I've always wanted to play at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to make that a reality. First and foremost, I want to be able to say that I've prepared for that in these two seasons."
Different perspectives within the same city. Now, I can go to places I couldn't before. Renta HIGASHI is dreaming so much that he can't sleep.
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
