'Not a Japanese defender who blocked Park Ji-sung?' 40-year-old Nagatomo aims for first-ever five consecutive World Cup appearances in Asia... "Tore hamstring, returned in 53 days"

*This content was translated by AI.

FC Tokyo veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo (40) has returned to the pitch 53 days after recovering from a hamstring injury. This marks a powerful comeback in his bid to become the first player in history to appear in five consecutive World Cups.

Japan's 'Daily Sports' reported on the 6th that "Nagatomo made a substitute appearance in the match against JEF United Chiba. This was his first game back 53 days after suffering a right hamstring rupture."

Nagatomo was substituted into the game as a left fullback in the 25th minute of the second half, trailing 0-1 in the J1 League Centennial League match against Chiba held at Ajinomoto Stadium. This marks his first appearance since sustaining an injury in the match against Mito on March 14.

Upon stepping onto the field, Nagatomo demonstrated his physical condition by showing impressive jumping ability even in the first aerial duel. However, just moments after his substitution, he conceded a painful additional goal in the 28th minute of the second half, swallowing his disappointment. Nagatomo lost track of his marker Himeno after the opponent's shot hit the goalpost and bounced out. Subsequently, Himeno was allowed to make a run and take a shot.

Thereafter, Nagatomo actively joined the attack, looking for opportunities. In the 37th minute of the second half, he took a sharp long-range shot from outside the penalty box, and in the 40th minute, he dominated an opposing defender on the flank and delivered an accurate cross into the box.

The media reported that "although the team suffered a complete defeat 0-3, Nagatomo created numerous scoring chances until just before the final whistle, displaying his experience."

Now 40 years old, Nagatomo is aiming for the unprecedented feat of five consecutive World Cup appearances in Asian football. Even amidst the setback of a torn hamstring in March, he had previously shown strong confidence on his social media (SNS), stating, "I am taking a short break to help Tokyo win the championship and replace the World Cup engine."

Meanwhile, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will announce the roster for the Japan national team competing in the North American World Cup on the 15th. Nagatomo is scheduled to make a final display of his capabilities in the match against Tokyo Verdy, the last game before the roster announcement, to secure his spot in Moriyasu's squad.

The last time Nagatomo was selected for the Japan national team was during the two A-match games against Paraguay and Brazil in October last year. However, he did not play in those matches, watching his juniors' games from the bench.

Nagatomo had considered retiring from the national team after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but Coach Moriyasu, trusting Nagatomo's experience and skills, re-selected him. He aims to appear in five consecutive World Cups, following his participation in the 2010 South Africa, 2014 Brazil, 2018 Russia, and 2022 Qatar tournaments, with the upcoming 2026 North American World Cup.

He has made a remarkable 142 appearances in A-match games. He has faced South Korea in matches such as the 2011 Asian Cup, engaging in flank battles with Park Ji-sung and Lee Chung-yong.

Nagatomo played in several European leagues during his prime, including Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Marseille. After ending his European career in 2022, he returned to his original club, FC Tokyo, and continues to show undiminished performance even at the age of 40.

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*This content was translated by AI.