Wataru Endo will never forget the pride he felt captaining Liverpool in his homeland of Japan.
The 32-year-old received a rousing reception from his compatriots when he was introduced in the second half of the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.
The moment was made even more special as Virgil van Dijk, the teammate he replaced, handed over the captain’s armband for him to wear.
Endo told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was an amazing moment for me because I came back to Japan as a Liverpool player. For me, it meant a lot. It was an amazing moment for me.
“First of all, I really appreciate my manager and Virg because of what they have done to me. I think it was a great gesture. I think all Japanese people maybe wanted me to be captain!
“All my family came to watch the game today, so I think they were very excited to watch this game today. I’m happy that I could show this game to my family. They are happy.”
Liverpool fell behind in the 55th minute when Asahi Uenaka opened the scoring for the J1 League side.
However, Florian Wirtz quickly equalised, setting the stage for teenagers Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha to help the Reds turn around the final game of their Asia pre-season tour.
“Yokohama is in the middle of the season, so they are very fit,” Endo continued. “I think they played well, especially in the first half.
“It’s not easy for us to beat them but, of course, we needed to show we are Liverpool and we are champions of the Premier League. I’m happy with the result.
“I supported this club actually and I went to [a] trial but I couldn’t join this club. Now I came back here as a player of [Liverpool]. It was a dream-come-true moment.”
Arne Slot revealed in his post-match press conference that Endo’s brief appearance at Nissan Stadium was a reward for his selfless contribution to last season’s Premier League title triumph.
Endo came on for the final half hour against Yokohama, slotting in at the heart of the defence.
“I don’t mind where I play. I just give 100 per cent, even if I play No.6 or centre-back or right-back,” he said.
“I played as a centre-back when I played in Japan, so I don’t mind which position I play and I just give 100 per cent every time.”
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