After overcoming more than a year of rehabilitation,
the big striker finally returns to the field.
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.
Last season, while on loan to Shonan Bellmare, he suffered a major injury to his left knee that continued to trouble him. He underwent surgery in July and announced his return to Tokyo in August. From there, he continued to work on a long rehabilitation process. And in September of this season, he finally made his return to the field in the 30th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Nagoya Grampus at the Japan National Stadium. Keita YAMASHITA, who gradually began to earn playing time as a substitute, has an overwhelming sense of scoring as a striker. What are his thoughts towards a complete return?
The smell of grass, the sound of kicking a ball, and the feeling of colliding with others, all of these were both nostalgic and fresh. Keita YAMASHITA, who returned after overcoming a long-term absence of over a year, once again savored the joy and gratitude of being able to play soccer, and returned to the pitch.
I had overcome unimaginable treatment and rehabilitation. Fortunately or unfortunately, I had experience with knee surgery during my university days, so I knew what the process of returning would be like. Therefore, I didn't have any unnecessary feelings of impatience. However, it was the first time since becoming a professional. I was overwhelmed by emotions completely different from my student days.
"Although it was a meniscus surgery as a release, I actually had more difficult surgeries such as a cartilage transplant that would take over a year to fully recover. So during rehabilitation, I had a lot of doubts and worries about whether I could really recover. I didn't know if I could return to the intensity of the J1 league without actually trying, and my life was at stake unlike when I was a student, so my approach and mindset during rehabilitation were completely different from before."
Still, the reason I came to the answer that I want to return to the pitch and play soccer again is because I never ran out of gratitude. Realizing that "I am able to play soccer thanks to the various support I receive," Yamashita mentions two people who have always been there for him as trainers, who have always faced him no matter what.
"I have experienced many transfers, but there are fans and supporters who support me even when I am off the pitch. I really wanted to show my appreciation by returning to the pitch and performing well for these people. Also, my trainer family. They sacrificed their time and supported me in every way. I want to express my gratitude to these people in some way. Standing on the pitch would be the best way to do that."
After taking the plunge and undergoing surgery, my current condition is incredibly good. That's why my forgotten desires have returned. I want to spend a long time on the pitch. I want to score goals. That's why I am happy to experience the pressure and tension that comes with it.
"Being a soccer player includes all kinds of emotions."
Now, towards complete recovery. Keita YAMASHITA has started running again at full speed.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
