Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has opened up on the emotional moment he was stretchered off in the Reds’ 1-0 win over Sunderland. He admitted, ‘I was crying a little bit’ but not for the reasons many may think.
The 33-year-old suffered a significant ankle injury halfway through the second half at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland which has ruled him out until the summer. He left the pitch in tears in front of the travelling Kop.
On Kodansha’s ‘Red Machine’ podcast, He said, “I was crying a little bit… I was not crying because it was painful; it was because our fans were singing my song.”
Endo injury extent explained
The Japanese captain has featured very little under Arne Slot this season, with the game at the Stadium of Light being his first Premier League start of the campaign.
Halfway through the second half, Endo attempted to clear a dangerous ball into the box, which led to the painful injury.
“I was thinking (that) I couldn’t play anymore. (I got up) because Robbo (Andy Robertson) told me, ‘We have to defend this corner, so if you can just try to do it and then after we defend the corner, I’m down again’.
He continued.
“I just tried to stand up, but it was so painful… I just wanted to help the team even if I got injured.”
The 33-year-old was having a great evening in the North East, which saw Liverpool leading against the Black Cats. The travelling supporters recognised his hard work as they sang his praises.
Endo was emotional from the encouragement given to him by the Liverpool fans.
“I was not crying because it was painful; it was because our fans were singing my song, and that means a lot to me.”
Endo added.
“I think it felt less painful because of that, and I really appreciate it because I haven’t played a lot of games this season, but I always try to help the team, even if I just play five minutes or 10 minutes, it doesn’t matter.
Liverpool cult hero
Endo’s arrival on Merseyside was met with some uncertainty. Especially after Jurgen Klopp’s side tried to lure Brighton’s Moises Caicedo to Anfield, but he chose Chelsea.
While the former manager described him as a ‘Machine on the pitch’, question marks still remained over what he could do in the red shirt.
He answered any doubts immediately, making regular appearances under Klopp, including the Carabao Cup final at Wembley as Endo’s side beat Chelsea 1-0.
His attitude and determination to win every battle, every duel, is there for everyone to see, which quickly made him loved at Anfield.
His minutes have dwindled under Slot, but that same attitude is applied even when he makes appearances from the bench.
Slot did claim that no matter how many minutes the midfielder plays, “he shows up”.
Endo’s future on Merseyside is up in the air at the moment, with reports last summer suggesting a return to Germany was possible.
Whether Endo stays or leaves, his passion and connection with the Liverpool fanbase has already secured his place as a cult hero at Anfield.
