After more than a year of rehabilitation,
the big striker has finally returned to action.
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.
Last season, a serious injury to his left knee sustained during a loan to Shonan Bellmare continued to trouble him. He underwent surgery in July and announced his return to Tokyo in August. Since then, he has been engaged in a long rehabilitation process. And in September of this season, he finally made his return to competitive play in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 30 match against Nagoya Grampus at Japan National Stadium. Keita YAMASHITA, who has started to gradually gain playing opportunities as a substitute, has thoughts on his aspirations for a full recovery as a striker with an exceptional scoring sense.
The smell of the grass, the sound of kicking the ball, and the feeling of bodies colliding were all both nostalgic and fresh. Keita YAMASHITA, who returned after overcoming a long-term absence of more than a year, once again savored the joy and gratitude of being able to play soccer and returned to the pitch.
I had overcome treatment and rehabilitation beyond imagination. Fortunately or unfortunately, I had experience with knee surgery during my university days, so I understood the process of returning. Therefore, I didn't have any unnecessary feelings of impatience. However, this was the first occurrence since becoming a professional. I was overwhelmed by emotions completely different from those during my student days.
"The release stated it was a meniscus surgery, but in reality, I underwent a cartilage transplant and other more difficult surgeries that would take over a year to fully heal. During rehabilitation, I often wondered, 'Will this really heal?' and my emotions fluctuated greatly. I didn't know if I could return to the top level of J1 League intensity until I tried, and unlike my student days, my livelihood was at stake, so my approach to rehabilitation was completely different from before."
Still, the reason I arrived at the answer that I want to return to the pitch and play soccer again is because I never ran out of gratitude. Yamashita realized that "I can play soccer thanks to various supports," and mentions two individuals: the trainer who has always faced me and the person who supports me at all times.
"I have experienced transfers multiple times, but among them, there are fans and supporters who continue to cheer for me even when I'm away from the pitch. I really had a strong desire to return to the pitch and show my performance for people like them. Then there’s the entire trainer family. They sacrificed their time to support me and handled everything that came my way. I want to express my gratitude to those people in some way. If that means standing on the pitch, then that would be the best outcome."
By boldly deciding to undergo surgery, my condition is now incredibly good. That's why the desires I had almost forgotten have returned. I want to stand on the pitch for a long time. I want to score goals. I am also happy to experience the pressure and tension that come with it.
"Including various emotions like that, I feel like I'm being a soccer player."
Now, towards a complete comeback. Keita YAMASHITA has started running at full speed again.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
