It was an incomplete burn because we fought seriously
In the first year of joining, I became a "blue and red man"
MF 22 Keita ENDO
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
In his first year in Tokyo, Keita ENDO has accumulated impressive goals that saved the team. With two decisive strikes in the heavily unfavorable "Tokyo Final Round," he has completely become the "Blue-Red Man." He has overcome multiple injuries to achieve results. However, the place he should aim for is the top. It is the thirst for victory and a sense of crisis that he felt after experiencing the J1 League championship and playing in Germany.
The two goals scored in a match that absolutely could not be lost will surely be passed down in the long history of blue and red. This was a match against Tokyo Verdy, which had not been played in the J1 League for 16 seasons. In a situation of numerical disadvantage, the atmosphere that seemed to guarantee a 0-2 defeat was completely changed by the number 22 in his first year with the team, saving the team. First, just seven minutes after being sent onto the pitch as a substitute, he struck a cross with his right foot directly into the net, and then in the second half's stoppage time, he pierced a powerful left-footed shot to score. “Keita ENDO of Tokyo” was born with these two goals.
After spending about three and a half years in Germany, Keita ENDO returned to the J-League, choosing a club in the capital of Japan as his new home. He has repeatedly expressed his "gratitude" to Tokyo, which provided him with playing opportunities right after his arrival. Although he had periods of absence due to injury this season, he has consistently delivered results every time he returned to the pitch. What stands out is his competitiveness. However, his self-assessment is strict: "I may have achieved the minimum results, but I could have done more, and I am not satisfied." Starting with two goals in the aforementioned match against Tokyo Verdy, he has scored many impactful goals, including matches against Albirex Niigata at Japan National Stadium and Vissel Kobe away.
Above all, this man's greatest charm lies in his overflowing passion and straightforward way of speaking. He clearly states that good things are good and bad things are bad, facing himself with strictness, and at times throwing harsh words at the team as well. This did not change even as the first season in Tokyo reached its climax and the possibility of winning a title faded. He strongly desires to win with this team and bring the first J1 League title to Tokyo. It is precisely because of this strong feeling that he senses a crisis in the current situation where the season ended without ever being part of the title race.
"I feel that the people on the management side are working very hard. Both Ajinomoto Stadium and National Stadium have a great atmosphere. However, no matter how much the club staff tries to increase the number of fans and supporters and enhance the excitement in the stadium, there are limits if we, as players, do not respond with results. It depends on our efforts as players. Therefore, this current ranking is not acceptable. This ranking will not create a synergistic effect."
As a member of Tokyo, having fought earnestly, there are things I have seen and felt. The first year in blue and red ended in “incomplete combustion.” To turn this feeling into a springboard for the new season, Keita ENDO aims for even greater heights.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
