Liverpool midfielder, Wataru Endo has reportedly confirmed his retirement from international football just few days before Japan kickstart their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Despite recovering from an ankle injury that hampered the last stretch of his season at Anfield, the Liverpool star was anticipated to play for the Samurai Blue.
Endo had surgery after experiencing the issue during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory against Sunderland in February.
The 33-year-old make a comeback to the matchday squad just last month for Liverpool’s last league game.
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Given that Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu had previously expressed hope that the Liverpool player would participate in the competition, the decision is extremely unexpected.
Moriyasu maintained that medical evaluations indicated Endo might still compete in the World Cup after the experienced player made a brief cameo on May 31 against Iceland.
‘I Had No Regrets’ – Endo
Endo, however, has already stated that he would not only miss the competition but also end his more than 10-year international career.
He added in an emotional statement via Liverpoolfc that he had no regrets after trying every possible way to get better.
“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever,” he said.
“From here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans,” added Endo.
He leaves the international scene with 73 caps and four goals after making his debut in 2015.
Japan has become one of Asia’s top football powers thanks in large part to his leadership and experience.
Shuto Machino has been called up by Japan to replace Endo.
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