Q. Please tell us the background behind your decision to transfer.
A, this season, I transferred to Urawa Reds, but there was a period where I couldn't get playing time. The main reason for my decision was that I was seeking opportunities to play. Among the options, Tokyo was the team that wanted me and needed me, so I decided to transfer. As a professional soccer player, if I can't get playing time, changing the environment is also an option, so it was an immediate decision.
Q. When did you receive the offer?
A, I don't think even a week has passed since we received the official offer. I myself made an immediate decision after receiving the offer. It feels like we officially started moving forward in June.
Q: In Tokyo, there are Takahiro KO, who was your teammate during your time at Albirex Niigata, and Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach. Did you communicate with them regarding your transfer?
A, we talked and consulted about various things. In deciding the transfer, the presence or absence of Coach Matsuhashi and Player Taka might have changed the decision. Their presence was that significant. Also, since Tsubasa TERAYAMA was one year junior to me at Juntendo University and we played together, I am thinking of getting a lot of help from him as well.
Q. How did you honestly feel when the coach, who fought alongside you for one and a half seasons, spoke to you?
A, I was honestly happy. This season, while we were fighting on different teams, I was surprised and pleased that I was needed and wanted by Tokyo.
Q. Similarly, many of the coaching staff members were teammates during the Niigata era.
I felt a bit nostalgic after receiving the warm-up from physical coach Tsutomu Yasuno.
Q. Nagakura himself also gives the impression of steadily stepping up from the regional league.
A, I have always had the desire to become a professional after graduating from university. Step by step, moving up through the categories, I have played with the single-minded determination that I will definitely become a professional no matter how many years it takes. Tsuyoshi OTSUKI, who coached me during my time at Urawa Reds Youth (now a coach at Fagiano Okayama), reached out to me when he was the manager at Thespakusatsu Gunma back then, and with a bit of luck, I believe I have been able to come this far.
Q. Is there any reason why you chose the jersey number '26'?
I wore number 28 during my time in Gunma and number 27 during my time in Niigata. Since the numbers were consecutive, I thought it was nice, so I intuitively chose number 26.
Q. Please tell us about the characteristics of your play.
A, I definitely want you to watch the off-the-ball positioning and tactics. Fans and supporters tend to focus on the player with the ball (laughs). If you have the chance while watching the game, please pay attention to that.
Q. Please tell us your impression when you played against Tokyo in the past.
A, I especially felt that the style of football changed this season. With Coach Matsuhashi, the impression is of football that emphasizes possession and individual skills. It was the same when we faced each other in May, but I always felt it was difficult when matched up against Masato MORISHIGE. We faced each other many times, and I think he is a player who symbolizes Tokyo. The strong impression is "FC Tokyo = MORISHIGE."
Q. How would you like to be addressed by fans and supporters?
A, I haven't had a nickname until now, so Motoki, Nagakura, or anything is fine (lol).
Q. If you were to introduce your personal side, what kind of personality do you have?
A, I'm quite shy around strangers (laughs). However, people often say that although they thought I was a very quiet person, I actually have a character that talks quite a bit.
Q. Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the second half of the league.
A, to participate in the match, I want to start by practicing with high intensity. When I play, I will do my best to produce results and contribute to the victory. Thank you for your support.
