Arsenal’s stalwart defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu, recently discussed his journey in the red and white, his rehabilitation following injury, and his hopes for the team in the upcoming season.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu delves into his injury journey, sharing the mental and physical hurdles he faced.
- Tomiyasu highlights his deep connection with Arsenal fans, emphasising their unparalleled support.
- Looking forward, the defender is optimistic about Arsenal’s potential in the Champions League and the Premier League.
The Japanese international, in a candid conversation, shared the physical and mental challenges he faced following his right knee injury in March.
This setback marked the second consecutive season-ending blow for him.
Reflecting on his time away from the pitch, Tomiyasu said, “If I can perform well in two-three years, no one will remember my current injury.” This spirit embodies the 24-year-old’s resilient mindset.
When asked about his feelings during the rehab, Tomiyasu opened up, “Well, injuries and other negative events did happen. But if you ultimately succeed, those negatives will just be a part of the process.
“Say, two or three years later, if there’s a World Cup and I perform well and succeed there, nobody’s going to remember this injury. I saw it as part of the process to succeed in the end.”
Speaking about the outpouring of support he received during his recovery, Tomiyasu remarked, “It’s not just when I get injured, it’s the same for other players too.
“We’ve got a lot of young players, and we’re really a great team. We’re noisy and lively, but when it’s time to get down to business, it’s like we do it!
“Simply put, as a player, I’m glad to hear such things. After all, showing your worth on the pitch is what being a footballer is all about. I want to get back quickly and help the team.”
His connection with Arsenal fans runs deep. Describing his bond with them, Tomiyasu expressed, “Without a doubt, we have a top stadium and top fans… Having experienced that, it makes me really want to win for the fans. You can genuinely feel like you’re in the fight together.”
Despite his challenges, Tomiyasu remains focused on the future, especially with the Champions League on the horizon. While he recognises the grandeur of Europe’s premier competition, his dedication to Arsenal remains steadfast, “It’s my first time in the Champions League… I’ll play for this badge but the crucial thing is how much I can show my worth on the pitch.”
He wrapped up the interview with a heartfelt note to the Gunners’ faithful, “Although we couldn’t win the title last season, I think we showed the potential to do so. I’m confident that we will be a better team next season. I hope we can experience winning the Premier League together.”