<Review of the previous match against Júbilo Iwata>
In addition to the announcement of the resignation of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI during the break, it was reported that Diego OLIVEIRA would retire from professional football at the end of this season, just after the match. Diego started in the away game against Júbilo Iwata, showcasing strong hold-up play and aggressive pressing from the beginning, establishing his presence as a key player. However, he faced tough marking from the opponent and injured his right ankle just before the end of the first half. After a long treatment, he briefly returned to the pitch but was forced to be substituted at halftime.
In the second half, Tokyo launched an offensive. By utilizing the pitch widely to create chances, they succeeded in changing the game with a left corner kick earned from that play.
It was a lively and rhythmic attack.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Ryotaro ARAKI connected with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had moved into the pocket position, with a short corner. From there, Keigo HIGASHI received the ball and delivered a soft cross with his right foot. At this moment, Soma ANZAI jumped in from behind and shook the goal net with a superb header that went over the opposing goalkeeper's head. The blue-red team, which had gained numerous corner kick opportunities since the first half, made a change here to score the opening goal. The instructions from coach Yu TOKISAKI paid off, and they took the lead away from home.
However, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO was sent off for bringing down an opposing player, and from that free kick, they conceded an equalizing goal. Pressured by the momentum of Iwata, for whom victory in this match was an absolute condition for survival, they allowed a winning goal from a penalty kick just before the end, resulting in a defeat. This led to a frustrating third consecutive loss in the league.
Match Preview
Diego OLIVEIRA, who has left his name in the club's history, has decided to hang up his jersey at the end of this season. He joined Tokyo in the 2018 season. Since then, he has continued to show performances worthy of being Tokyo's ace with hard work on both offense and defense. The 74 goals he accumulated over his 7 seasons are the most in the club's history in the J1 League. He will conclude his 16-year professional career, responding to the expectations and respect of those around him, here in Tokyo.
Regarding the circumstances of my retirement, I have a desire to spend time with my parents and family after being away from Brazil for a long time. Additionally, the daily struggle as an athlete consumes a significant amount of energy. I have exhausted that energy," he said with a look of sadness. After announcing his retirement, he became emotional while reflecting on the many messages he received from friends, teammates, and fans, stating, "I realized how much I was loved and cherished. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved," expressing his gratitude multiple times.
Whether crying or laughing, the final match of the season against Cerezo Osaka will be the last dance for number 9. The stage is Ajinomoto Stadium. The great striker will fight for victory with the same full effort as always. That final heroic figure will surely be etched in the memories of fans and supporters forever.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This will be the last game of the season.
A, we want to show our “show” and bring smiles to our fans and supporters.
Q: As a culmination, we want to bring out everything we have built up to this point.
A, it is important to ensure that we can showcase our team's performance. We want to fight in a way that the club, as well as the fans and supporters, can be proud of. And we want to end with 3 points. Last week, we let go of a match that we had in our grasp. Of course, everyone feels regret about it. We want to approach the next match while firmly applying that lesson. We will do our best to win.
Q: This is also the last game of Diego OLIVEIRA's active career. After working together for a season and a half, what kind of player do you think he is?
A, I think it was before the start of the 2018 season when I first came to Japan, and I watched Diego OLIVEIRA in a practice match and thought he was an amazing player. Since coming to Japan, I have been watching his play. After working together for 18 months, I have come to understand not only his greatness as a player but also his humanity, and it became clear to me that he is a legend of this club. Everyone will surely fight desperately to deliver three points to him. I hope we can have a battle that will remain in his memory for a lifetime.
Q, what kind of message would you like to leave for the fans and supporters in your last game in Tokyo?
A, it is to fight in a way that makes us proud and excites everyone. Since I came here, I believe we have laid the foundation for the future. Tokyo's future will be bright and strong. This season, there have been good times for us, and there have been ups and downs. Even in tough times, the team has grown, and I believe that will lead to the team's future. I want to end the season with a smile and fight in a way that makes us proud. The blue and red will remain in my heart for a lifetime. I pray for the success of this club.
Q: Where do you want to give your all in the end?
A, of course, everyone wants to succeed tomorrow and the next day, but that is football. What we know is that without what we have built here over the past 18 months, there is no success. I am proud to have created a strong foundation for this club and want to leave. I hope that it will lead to advantages in the future.
This is not a goodbye. See you again.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: This match will be the last of my active career.
A, the next match will be the final game of the season for Tokyo, and it will be my last match as a player. I want to approach the game with strong determination. This season, the team's performance has not been what we hoped for, and it has been a frustrating season. I believe the final match against Cerezo Osaka will also be a tough game, but I absolutely want to win and conclude this season on a high note. It will be my last match as well, but I feel calm. I want to enter the game as usual. I hope to finish with my own goal, to share the joy of victory with the fans and supporters, and to make it a match that connects to next season.
Q: Please tell us the reason for your decision to retire.
A, there are several reasons, but the biggest one is that I have spent a long time playing and living in Japan, far away from Brazil, which meant being separated from my parents and family in Brazil for a long time. I have a strong desire to return to Brazil and spend time with my family. Also, as a football player, I have built my career up to this point, but I have consumed a lot of energy physically and mentally. I feel that the energy to continue with high motivation and playing level is gradually decreasing within me. After consulting with my family, I felt that I could say "I gave it my all." For various reasons, I have decided to retire. The club kindly offered me to continue fighting together next season, but I feel that retiring now is the best way to conclude my career as a football player. Of course, there is sadness in leaving the Tokyo club and retiring from active play, but at the same time, I feel happiness in being able to end my career on a good note.
Q: When did you start considering your decision?
A, I have felt for some time that retirement is not a distant future. I never spoke about it, but I sensed it might be soon. I actually made the decision about a month before the retirement announcement. I love the Tokyo club. There are many people who have always supported and respected me. There were many who were surprised that I chose to retire at this time. I feel happy that I was able to wear the Tokyo uniform as my final uniform.
Q: Please tell us if there are any matches or goals that left an impression on you.
A, this is the goal scored in the match against Shonan Bellmare at Ajinomoto Stadium during the 2018 season. After joining Tokyo, I wore the blue and red uniform for the first time, and my first goal was against Shonan. It remains very memorable for me, especially since my goal became the winning goal.
Q: When you started your professional career, did you have a vision of how you wanted to retire as a player?A: Starting a professional life means that an end will eventually come. The vision I had was to play in a high-level league like the J-League and to retire while I am in good condition. In a sense, I believe I can end my career in the ideal way I envisioned.
Q: We have been far from victory in recent matches, but please tell us the points we need to tighten our focus on again.
A, we have been away from victory for a while, and we have not been able to win at our home, Ajinomoto Stadium. This season has not turned out as we envisioned, and we have spent a long time in difficult moments, so as a team, we want to focus on playing with unity and a commitment to victory.
Q: What do fans and supporters mean to you, Diego?
In the previous match against Júbilo Iwata, you displayed banners and uniforms directed towards me from the stands behind the goal. Your support has truly reached me and warmed my heart. I am sincerely grateful for the way all the fans and supporters show me respect.
