Liverpool defensive midfielder Wataru Endo withdraw from the Japan national team squad due to injury and announced retirement from national team career..

The Japan Football Association (JFA) announced on its official website on Friday that its national team captain, Liverpool defensive midfielder Wataru Endo, has been forced to withdraw from the national team squad due to a recurrence of his injury.

According to the JFA's official statement, Shuto Machino of Borussia Mönchengladbach will be urgently called up as a replacement.

Meanwhile, Endo also announced through his personal social media account that he will be ending his national team career immediately.

In his post, he wrote emotionally: "As previously announced, I will be retiring from the national team's World Cup squad. I have given my all since the injury, so I have no regrets."

"Of course, I regret not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more importantly, I am proud to have been the captain of this team since the Qatar World Cup, and to have grown together with everyone into a team that can naturally talk about the goal of 'winning the World Cup.'"

"This team is truly a remarkable team. I believe they can overcome any adversity and present us with unprecedented brilliance."

"I have decided to retire from the national team after this World Cup. Therefore, from now on, I will support the Japan national team as a fan." The moment when the Japanese national team wins the World Cup will finally come. Let's believe it together and cheer them on.

"Let's unite the strength of Japan and launch an attack on the North and Central America World Cup, so that this moment will come soon! Go Japan! Sincerely, Wataru Endo"

This devastating news is a difficult blow for both Japan and Endo himself.

As captain of the Samurai Blue, Endo's importance to the entire Japanese team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico is self-evident.

Endo suffered a serious ankle injury in February this year during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland, facing a long-term absence.

Previously, he was thought to be ruled out for the rest of the season due to the injury, but fortunately, he was able to return in time for the friendly match against Iceland on May 31st.

Japan will face the Netherlands in their first Group F match of the World Cup this Sunday (June 14th) in Texas. Unfortunately, with Endo withdrawing due to the recurrence of his injury and early retirement from the national team, fans will miss the chance to witness his memorable moments playing against club teammates Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

The 33-year-old Endo became a Japanese international in August 2015 and was appointed captain in the summer of 2022. He made 73 appearances for the Japan national team, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists.

Endo joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in August 2023 for €16.3 million.

Since joining Liverpool, Endo has so far made 87 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists, winning one Premier League title and one Carabao Cup.

Image source: Internet / Liverpool official website