Fantasista who casts magic on the pitch
Proves overwhelming power in blue and red
MF 71 Ryotaro ARAKI
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.
After joining the blue and red team on a temporary transfer, Ryotaro ARAKI quickly became a key player in the team with a shocking debut of 4 goals in the first 4 games of the season. His magic on the pitch, such as his ability to quickly change the situation with a pass and his elegant one-touch plays in front of goal, is essential when talking about Tokyo this season. He was also selected for the U-23 Japan national team again and experienced the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics in the summer. He tasted the world stage. How does "Taro" view his one year at the blue and red team, which was supposed to be a turning point in his soccer career?
How many people were excited when they heard "Ryotaro Araki is joining"? There were many voices of expectation. But honestly, there were also voices of concern. And how about now? Every member of the blue and red team now calls him "Taro" and has complete trust in him. The first ever player to wear the number 71 in the club's history, he has proven himself through his play.
I have written about it many times before, but Ryotaro ARAKI hated being described as "revived" or "resurrected". It was not because of unnecessary pride or strange stubbornness, but because he had a strong confidence in himself that he could do it. He has expressed such strong feelings since before the start of the season, and if you look at his performance during the season, you can understand it immediately. When asked again about his decision to play in Tokyo towards the end of the season, he gave a satisfying answer.
"I think my decision was not wrong. I was able to join the U-23 Japan national team and go to the Paris Olympics. I think the past two seasons were necessary for this season, but I think my career options have expanded, so I want to continue to walk a better career from here."
Araki spoke with a little joy and a little relief. The first half of the season, where he was juggling between his team and national team activities, was hectic. However, he also found the busyness to be pleasant after a long time.
"The first half of the season was really busy, but it was fun. I had some time to reflect during the second half of the season, and I realized that being busy is a good thing. The first half of the season had a lot of consecutive games, but the off-season was the most fulfilling time as a player, as I was able to go to the national team. Recently, I've been able to experience a sense of nostalgia that I haven't felt in a while, and it was a fun season."
When looking back on this season as a team, the name Ryotaro ARAKI is absolutely indispensable. Similarly, if Ryota ARAKI looks at his future professional career and thinks, "Because there was the 2024 season in Tokyo," it would be a happy thing.
"I have gained confidence for sure. Many fans believe in me and say 'Taro can do it', and I think I was able to play well this season for them. I believe it is the result of continuing to play without changing my playing style."
His creativity saved the team and added color to the attack. With a dedicated attitude that does not shy away from hard work, he led the team in blue and red and became a player who left a mark in both records and memories.
Taro will continue to run in his own way.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)