FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with Ryunosuke SATO (FC Tokyo U-18) and held a press conference at the Japan National Stadium on August 26 (Sat). We will now share comments from SATO, as well as Shigeya KAWAGISHI, President and CEO, and Mitsushiro OBARA, General Manager, who were present at the conference.
<President Shigeya Kawagishi Representative Director>
FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with Ryunosuke SATO, who is currently a member of FC Tokyo U-18. This professional contract is also a result of the club's continued efforts in developing players in the academy.
Although he is only a second year high school student, Takefusa KUBO (currently playing for Real Sociedad) made his official debut in the J.League in March during the Levain Cup, breaking the club's record for youngest player to start in a match. In the game, he showed an impressive performance on the professional pitch and we have decided to sign him to a professional contract in order to continue his growth and give him experience at the professional level at an early stage.
In the recently held U-17 Asia Cup, he showed a very impressive play and made a big contribution to the Japan national team. In November, he will be participating in the U-17 World Cup and is expected to perform on the world stage. We hope to support his growth as a future key player and eventually see him selected for the Japan national team, not just for FC Tokyo but also as a representative player for Japan.
<Mitsushiro OBARA GM>
We would like to express our gratitude to all the club's coaches and staff involved in the development process, as well as the soccer professionals, school officials, and family members, including Ryo Sato, for their support in enabling us to sign a professional contract with such a promising player. The decision to sign a professional contract in this manner was made based on a comprehensive evaluation of Ryo Sato's performance and achievements in the academy and various age-group national teams, with the belief that it will further accelerate his growth.
I think that Kelly's ability to read the game, see the opponent, and have high physical abilities including intensity and quickness, stands out head and shoulders above other players of the same generation. In both offense and defense, the ability to choose the opponent's weak points, intelligence, and the potential to have strong leadership and communication skills are necessary for Tokyo to win the league, and I am looking forward to seeing him become a key player in the team. Of course, there are still challenges and room for growth, but I want to support him in facing them and becoming a top player in Japan, and even spreading his wings in the world.
Q: Can I participate in the activities of both U-18 and the top team?
As an A, second-class registered player, you can participate in the activities of the top team from training. If you can be involved in future league matches and Levain Cup as a member, you will accompany as a member of the official match, and even if it is difficult, I think that participating in official matches at the current age of player Sato will lead to the most growth, so there are options such as returning to the activities of U-18 and participating in the Premier League or participating in practice matches of the top team. I would like to discuss while always choosing the stage where player Sato can grow the most.
During the pre-season camp, there was a moment when I saw Sato and thought he could definitely compete in the professional world. Without saying anything, Sato ran up to Nagatomo and jogged together, asking him various things and showing his high communication skills. I could sense his desire to improve and draw something out of Nagatomo. Also, Matsuki said to me, "Sato will become a great player." When I asked him why, he said, "His way of thinking and speaking is similar to mine." I could feel Sato's potential and mental strength that made Matsuki say such things about him.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
I am Ryunosuke SATO, who has just signed a professional contract with Tokyo. I am delighted to be able to play as a professional player as a member of the club that I have admired since I was a child. I think I have only just started at the starting line of a professional contract, so I want to have the awareness of a professional player from here on and play with a focus on results. I will continue to work hard to become a player who can "excite" not only Tokyo but all of Japan. Thank you for your support.
Q: Please share your honest feelings when you received the offer for a professional contract.
A, the most important thing is to be genuinely happy. Being able to play with professional players on the stage that I had set as a goal, and considering my own future growth, I had no hesitation in signing the contract.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on being able to sign a professional contract at this timing.
A, the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship ended with a runner-up finish, but there were many personal achievements. I think it was a very good timing to sign a professional contract at this time, as we look forward to the Club World Cup and the Premier League in the future.
Q: Did you participate in the pre-season camp this season? If so, is there anything that left an impression on you?
A, the most impressive thing that remains in my memory is when Yuto NAGATOMO, who returned from the World Cup, talked about his national team activities and his life as a professional player. I think Yuto's words and his approach to soccer have had a great influence on me. Yuto is someone I admire and aspire to be like. Although our positions are different, there are very few players in Japan who have played in the World Cup four times and achieved success on the world stage. So, I will do my best to surpass Yuto and continue to strive.
