Wataru Endo has warned Liverpool he has no desire to return prematurely from the Asian Cup as he targets captaining Japan to continental glory.
The 30-year-old joined the Reds in a surprise £16.2m move from VfB Stuttgart in the summer
After a slow start to life at Anfield, he has been one of Jurgen Klopp’s most impressive players in recent weeks.
Since coming off the bench to score his first Premier League goal in the 4-3 victory over Fulham at the start of December, the midfielder had shone
Endo started eight matches in a row over the festive period, up to the Reds’ 4-2 win over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day,
With Japan now looking to win the Asian Cup for a record fifth time, the 30-year-old is now away on international duty
Klopp would joke how he wanted them to suffer early exits at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations respectively when speaking to reporters last week.
Klopp
“I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie (laughs)!”
“No, I do obviously (wish them luck), but from a personal point of view I would be overly happy if they go out in the group stages but it is probably not possible.
“It’s fine, they can go and win it as well. So good luck, see you and come back healthy. That’s pretty much the words.
“Now we have to deal with it and we will deal with it. Of course you see the recent games and think, ‘Okay, that looks a bit strange,’ but I am pretty positive that we will find a way. But we have to show that on the pitch.”
Endo saw the funny side as he made it clear that he wants to win the tournament.
Endo
"Of course the coach meant that as a joke but I do feel very honoured that he feels I need to be back at Liverpool,"
"I'm here now, I'm the captain of the team and all I'm thinking about is bringing the trophy back to Liverpool."
Japan are one of the favourites to win the Asian Cup this year
Comments