Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu broke down in tears during an emotional press conference on Saturday, offering a heartfelt apology to captain Wataru Endo after the decision that ended the Liverpool midfielder’s international career.
The 33 year old had spent three months recovering from foot surgery, sustained during a match for Liverpool against Sunderland in February.
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After working through rehabilitation and returning to action in a friendly against Iceland last month, Endo travelled with the Japan squad to the United States, holding onto hopes of featuring at the 2026 World Cup.
However, just days before Japan’s Group F opener against the Netherlands in Dallas, the decision was made to withdraw him from the tournament.
Following his withdrawal, Endo announced his retirement from international football altogether, ending an 11 year, 73 cap career that included captaining the side since 2023.
His armband has now passed to Ajax defender Ko Itakura, while Mönchengladbach’s Shuto Machino has been called up as his replacement.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Netherlands clash, Moriyasu explained the medical reasoning behind the call, saying it was a decision he and the medical staff had reached together because they did not believe Endo could perform at full fitness.
With a trembling voice and visible tears, Moriyasu then addressed the personal toll of the decision directly.
He said he had no time to prepare for how Endo might react when told the news, adding that all he could think in that moment was that he was telling the player something truly terrible.
He said that while he could not be certain of Endo’s true feelings, the player listened calmly and the conversation between them remained composed.
Moriyasu went further, acknowledging the wider impact of the decision.
He said it was not only Endo who had been hurt, but also his family, who care deeply for him, along with the supporters and many others connected to the player.
He said he felt deeply sorry and wanted to apologize for that pain.
At the same time, he stressed that he had never lost respect for Endo, saying he has always treated players with that same respect, and that in making the decision he kept that respect in mind while acting in the best interests of the team and of Japan as a whole.
For his part, Endo used social media to confirm his retirement from the national team, saying he had no regrets given everything he had done since his injury, and reflecting proudly on his time as captain since the Qatar World Cup.
He said he hoped the squad would give everything without regret as they continued their campaign.
Endo is expected to return to Liverpool for pre season, with his future at the club uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract under new manager Andoni Iraola.