Wataru Endo has begun his pre-season programme at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre early after missing out on the World Cup with Japan. The 32-year-old midfielder posted an image at the club's training base in Kirkby with the caption 'Day 1' on Thursday, July 2, indicating the start of his pre-season period, while the majority of his Liverpool colleagues are slated to return on Monday, July 13.
Endo's Injury and International Disappointment
The Japan captain hasn't played for the Reds since suffering a serious ankle injury in the 1-0 win at Sunderland on February 11. He returned to international duty last month, playing 45 minutes in Samurai Blue's warm-up win over Iceland on May 31. However, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu subsequently left Endo out of the World Cup squad for the tournament taking place across Canada, the United States and Mexico, citing fitness concerns relating to his injury.
Following the omission, Endo announced his retirement from international football in a social media message. He wrote: "As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever. Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the Qatar World Cup - me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of 'winning the World Cup' into something we can say as a matter of course."
Retirement from National Team
Endo added: "The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before. With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I'll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans." He concluded: "The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday. Let's believe in that and cheer them on together. And let's unite Japan's strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament—everyone, let's take on the North and Central America World Cup together!! Everyone, give it everything you've got. Wataru Endo."
Japan were knocked out at the last-32 round on Monday when Brazil fought back to win 2-1.
Liverpool Pre-Season Plans
Endo will be part of the Liverpool squad that flies out to the United States on July 20 for their pre-season tour. Under manager Andoni Iraola, the Reds will visit Nashville, New York and Chicago for friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. Endo's early start to pre-season will allow him to build fitness and integrate fully into Iraola's plans after his injury layoff.
