According to Japanese media outlet Number, former Japan national team captain Endo withdrew from the World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international football. Now, having returned to Liverpool to prepare for the new season, he spoke to a longtime Japanese journalist about his true feelings at the time.

On August 9, Liverpool played a pre-season friendly against Monaco at home. After the match, Endo said: "This was a good session. It's a very important step for me to return and play 45 minutes as I prepare for the new season. Of course, my physical condition is still far from optimal."

This came roughly two months after he withdrew from the Japan squad before the World Cup and announced the end of his international career.

In that pre-season match, Endo appeared in the second half, but not in his familiar defensive midfield position—he played as a center-back instead. This mirrored his last international appearance for Japan against Iceland in late May, when pain in his left foot, three months after surgery, limited him to 45 minutes.

Speaking about being forced to withdraw from the World Cup squad, Endo admitted: "I've never experienced anything like that. I was preparing with the idea of playing in the World Cup, so that was the most painful experience I've had to date."

However, after making this difficult decision, Endo adjusted mentally faster than the outside world expected.

In mid-June this year, when he returned to England from the United States to reunite with his family, he told a reporter: "I'll rest for a bit first, and then give my all for the new season, for Liverpool."

A week later, he sent another message saying: "Starting next week, I'll be training with the rehabilitation group, so I'll be well-prepared." He also joked: "Going to Nashville again, right (laughs)."

Because Liverpool's pre-season would again take them to Nashville, the location of the Japan team's World Cup base, the reporter was initially concerned this might stir up difficult emotions for Endo, but his response seemed very relaxed.

The report noted that Endo's previous expression of "no regrets" on social media was not merely putting on a brave face, but his genuine feelings.

He underwent his first surgery to make it to the World Cup. From a medical perspective, there had been the option of waiting for natural recovery. Many voices in Japan also hoped the former captain might return to the national team in the future, but Endo himself was very clear about his decision.

He said: "I have no regrets, and no lingering attachment. I have done everything I could."

At the same time, Liverpool also underwent a managerial change this summer, with Iraola replacing Slot. This shift also made it easier for Endo to begin the new season with a fresh mindset.

Regarding this, he said: "It definitely feels like a fresh start. For example, what kind of football the team will play next—all these things make everything feel very new."

The report also noted that Iraola's coaching style first emphasizes not tactical details, but maintaining game intensity for the full 90 minutes. For Endo, who is regaining his physical fitness, this will be an important challenge in the new season.

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