Shock for Japan: Captain Retires from National Team Three Days Before Kick-off

Japan's captain, Wataru Endo, has reportedly announced his shocking retirement from the national team and international football just three days before the squad's opening World Cup match. The 33-year-old midfielder sustained an ankle injury during his club team Liverpool's clash against Sunderland in February, which required surgery. He only returned to the bench for the final match of the season against Brentford. The midfielder played one half against Iceland but felt discomfort again and was substituted at halftime.

“I am withdrawing from the World Cup squad, as I announced. After my injury, I did everything I could up to this point, so I have no regrets. Of course, there is disappointment in not being able to participate in the World Cup, but I am more proud of how we grew together as a team after the tournament in Qatar. As captain, leading this team whose goal is now to win the World Cup, we can say it quite naturally,” Endo wrote in his spare time. This is another blow for the 'Samurai Blue' squad, who also lost Takumi Minamino.