It was an incomplete burn because we fought seriously
In the first year of joining, I became a "blue and red man"
MF 22 Keita ENDO
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.
In his first year in Tokyo, Keita ENDO has scored impressive goals that saved the team. With two goals in the heavily unfavorable "Tokyo Final Round," he has completely become the "Blue and Red Man." He has overcome multiple injuries to achieve results. However, his ultimate goal remains the top. It is the thirst for victory and sense of urgency he feels, having experienced winning the J1 League and playing in Germany.
The two goals scored in a match that absolutely could not be lost will surely be passed down in the long history of blue and red. This was a match against Verdy, realized for the first time in 16 seasons in the J1 league. In a situation of numerical disadvantage, with the atmosphere leaning towards a 0-2 defeat, the player wearing number 22 in his first year completely changed the game and saved the team. First, just seven minutes after being substituted in, he struck a cross with his right foot directly into the net, and then in the second half's stoppage time, he pierced a powerful shot with his left foot to score. “Tokyo's Keita ENDO” was born with these two goals.
After spending about three and a half years in Germany, Keita ENDO returned to the J-League, choosing a club in the capital of Japan. He has repeatedly expressed his "gratitude" to Tokyo, which provided him with playing opportunities right after joining. Although he faced some time away from the pitch due to injury this season, he has consistently delivered results upon his return. Notably, his competitiveness stands out. However, his self-assessment is strict: "I may have achieved the minimum results, but I could have done more, and I am not satisfied." Starting with two goals in the aforementioned match against Tokyo Verdy, he has scored many impactful goals, including matches against Albirex Niigata at Japan National Stadium and away at Vissel Kobe.
Above all, this man's greatest charm lies in his overflowing passion and straightforwardness. He clearly states what is good and what is bad, faces himself with strictness, and at times has thrown harsh words at the team as well. This did not change even as the first season in Tokyo reached its climax and the possibility of winning a title faded. He strongly desires to win with this team and bring the first J1 League title to Tokyo. It is precisely because of this strong feeling that he feels a sense of crisis over the current situation where the season ended without ever being in the title race.
"I feel that the people on the management side are making a great effort. Both Ajinomoto Stadium and the National Stadium have a very good atmosphere. However, no matter how hard the club staff work to increase the number of fans and supporters and to raise the excitement in the stadium, there are limits if we, as players, do not respond with results. That depends on our efforts as players. Therefore, this current ranking is not acceptable. This ranking will not create a synergistic effect."
As a member of Tokyo, I fought earnestly, and because of that, there are things I have seen and felt. The first year in blue and red ended in “incomplete combustion.” To turn this feeling into a springboard for the new season, Keita ENDO aims for even greater heights.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
