Japan’s veteran midfielder Yasuhito Endo on Tuesday announced his retirement after 26 years of his career and joined Gamba Osaka as a coach.
“I had a really long and fulfilling 26 years of football life” between 1998 and 2023, Endo said in a video message posted on the club’s website.
Thanks and Welcome back⚫️この度、 #遠藤保仁 選手が現役を引退し、ガンバ大阪トップチームコーチに就任する事が決定いたしました！
26年間の現役生活お疲れ様でしたたくさんの感動と思い出をありがとうございました！そして、これからも宜しくお願いします！
本人コメントはこちら▼… pic.twitter.com/7rSOIPp2uW
— ガンバ大阪オフィシャル (@GAMBA_OFFICIAL) January 9, 2024
“I never thought I’d play this long,” the 43-year-old added.
Endo was in Japan’s World Cup squad three times and was named Asian Player of the Year in 2009. He has a record 152 caps for the country.
Having spent nearly two decades at Gamba Osaka as a footballer, Endo said he’s “very happy” to be back as a coach.
“As a coach, I am still learning… but I want to grow with the players and contribute to the team’s victories,” he said.
Kozo Tashima, president of the Japan Football Association, said Endo possesses the ability “to make decisions calmly” and a “high level of (football) skills.”
“I hope he will use his experience and achievements for the development of Japanese football.”
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