Liverpool’s Wataru Endo admits mixed feelings over Asian Cup departure

04-Jan-2024 15:49:05 | The Guardian

In-form Endo ‘wants to stay’ but also wants to win Asian Cup
Japan captain is Liverpool’s player of the month for December

The Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has admitted he has conflicting feelings in leaving Merseyside for the Asian Cup just when he had started to find his form. The Japan captain, a £16m signing from Stuttgart, started the past six matches as he deputised for the injured Alexis Mac Allister and that regular rhythm undoubtedly helped the 30-year-old find his feet after a tough introduction to English football. He was voted Liverpool’s men’s player of the month for December by supporters.

However, the New Year’s Day win over Newcastle that extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to three points was his last game for a month as he flies out to Qatar to begin preparations for the tournament, which begins next Friday.