Takehiro Tomiyasu has spoken out on the frustrations he felt during his time with Arsenal, unable to stay fit despite doing everything he could to make himself available.
Takehiro Tomiyasu left Arsenal last summer, with player and club mutually agreeing to terminate his contract as he struggled to return from injury.
The defender had only made one appearance for Arsenal in 2024/25, having also spent large portions of the previous three seasons out of action.
Yet Tomiyasu himself struggles to understand why he’s had such trouble with injuries, insisting to the Japanese media that he’s always worked hard on his fitness.
“I never imagined I would go through such a tough time at Arsenal, because I’ve always taken great care of my body,” Tomiyasu said. “I’ve probably done more than anyone else. My first six months in London were amazing. It was like a dream.
“I can understand if my approach was wrong. Some players don’t get injured even if they party after a match. I didn’t do anything reckless, yet it happened to me. I felt frustrated at that time.
“Eventually, you realize that things happen in life that you can’t control. There’s no point in getting angry about them. Everything goes on.”
Tomiyasu has had a decent spell with Ajax over the last few months, playing seven times since his debut in February. Though his most recent appearance was more disappointing, as he picked up a red card for a last-man foul.
The aim for the 27-year-old will be to stay fit until the end of the club campaign, at which point he can hopefully start thinking about the World Cup with Japan.
The expectation is that Tomiyasu’s Ajax spell won’t be extended, so the World Cup marks a great opportunity to impress potential suitors. But he has to make it there first, and as he suggests, that’s not entirely in his control.
- Newcastle boss confirms Arsenal target’s absence is partly transfer-relatedEddie Howe has confirmed that Anthony Gordon’s recent absence from the Newcastle United team is partly down to uncertainty over his future, with a summer transfer looking likely.
- How Aston Villa win could affect the Premier League title raceAston Villa’s win over Liverpool on Friday night has given them little to play for against Manchester City next week, but the same isn’t true for Bournemouth.
- Manchester City FA Cup win would have significant Arsenal implicationArsenal fans might want to keep an eye on the FA Cup final on Saturday, as a Manchester City win would guarantee the Gunners a spot in the 2026 Community Shield.
- 3rd Arsenal player called up for World CupLeandro Trossard has become the third Arsenal player to be called up for the summer World Cup, with Belgium confirming their final squad list for the tournament.
- Tottenham Hotspur’s Arsenal transfer hijack falls flatTottenham Hotspur’s January ‘Arsenal hijack’ doesn’t appear to have panned out, with James Wilson set to return to Hearts after his initial loan spell ends.