The long rehabilitation we overcame is
preparation for the future
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 has been a long season for Renta HIGASHI as he tries to emerge from a long tunnel. Last season, he sought opportunities at SC Sagamihara in the J3 League on a developmental loan, but just as he began to accumulate playing time, he suffered consecutive injuries. In November, he was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and damage to the lateral support structure of his left knee, with an estimated recovery time of about 10 months. Now back in Tokyo this season, what has he been thinking about as he faces himself in his return, and what levels of improvement has he been working on?
It was the second year of my professional career, which began with rehabilitation. Even so, Renta HIGASHI said, "My spirit was never broken. I thought I would enjoy even the rehabilitation." By increasing even the smallest achievements, I aimed to spend each day in a way that I would be told, "You've changed. You've grown," upon my return.
He switched his mindset and actively engaged in body transformation, thinking, "This is a great opportunity." By the time summer arrived, it was clear that his physique had noticeably thickened, and it was fully conveyed that he was putting those words into practice.
While accumulating careful days, there were also pleasant surprises. The initial return schedule was in October, but rehabilitation progressed smoothly, and the return was moved up by two months.
"I was able to shorten my rehabilitation period thanks to physiotherapist Miyama (Yoshihisa) and all the staff. I believe that not having re-injured myself after returning is also due to the support from those around me, so I am truly grateful to be able to play with that in mind."
After returning, I continued the daily search for small footholds of growth, just like during my rehabilitation life.
"My physical condition has improved compared to before my injury. I have been working on regaining my sense and returning to my original condition. It has been gratifying to gradually increase what I can do, to move my body as I wish, and to be able to do things that I couldn't do before my return. I have also been able to participate in longer periods during practice matches and training games, which has contributed to my growth. I have learned by watching the plays of other players around me and have been able to improve through guidance from others, which has allowed me to feel my growth as well."
Such moments make him spit out new goals from his mouth.
"First, I need to surpass the player I was before my injury in order to be involved in the matches. Rather than just returning to my previous self, I want to become a better player. I want to demonstrate my physical strength through my play, while also being vocal and managing the game well. That's the kind of player I aspire to be."
Although the long-awaited J1 League debut has been postponed, I achieved my first bench appearance in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 34 match against Vissel Kobe. I was unable to participate in the match, but the dream of stepping onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium has grown.
"I want to challenge myself to see how much I can be involved in matches next season. I think it's about how well I can prepare when I'm not able to play, so I want to build a solid foundation here. Since my time with FC Tokyo U-18, I've wanted to be a ball person and perform at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to make that a reality. First, I want to be able to say that I've prepared for that over these next two seasons."
I saw a different perspective in the same city. Now I can go as far as I can on a different path. Renta HIGASHI is dreaming so much that he can't sleep.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
