FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with Ryunosuke SATO (FC Tokyo U-18) and held a press conference at the Japan National Stadium on August 26 (Sat). We will now share comments from SATO, as well as Shigeya KAWAGISHI, President and CEO, and Mitsushiro OBARA, General Manager, who were present at the conference.
<President Shigeya Kawagishi Representative Director>
FC Tokyo has signed a professional contract with Ryunosuke SATO, who is currently a member of FC Tokyo U-18. This professional contract is also a result of the club's continued efforts in developing players in the academy.
Although he is only a second year high school student, Takefusa KUBO (currently playing for Real Sociedad) made his official debut in the J.League in March during the Levain Cup, breaking the club's record for youngest player to start in a match. In the game, he showed an impressive performance on the professional pitch and we have decided to sign him to a professional contract in order to continue his growth and give him experience at the professional level at an early stage.
In the recently held U-17 Asia Cup, he showed a very impressive play and made a big contribution to the Japan national team. In November, he will be participating in the U-17 World Cup and is expected to perform on the world stage. We hope to support his growth as a future key player and eventually see him selected for the Japan national team, not just for FC Tokyo but also as a representative player for Japan.
<Mitsushiro OBARA GM>
We would like to express our gratitude to all the club's coaches and staff involved in the development process, as well as the soccer professionals, school officials, and family members, including Ryo Sato, for their support in enabling us to sign a professional contract with such a promising player. The decision to sign a professional contract in this manner was made based on a comprehensive evaluation of Ryo Sato's performance and achievements in the academy and various age-group national teams, with the belief that it will further accelerate his growth.
I think that Kelly's ability to read the game, see the opponent, and have high physical abilities including intensity and quickness, stands out head and shoulders above other players of the same generation. In both offense and defense, the ability to choose the opponent's weak points, intelligence, and the potential to have strong leadership and communication skills are necessary for Tokyo to win the league, and I am looking forward to seeing him become a key player in the team. Of course, there are still challenges and room for growth, but I want to support him in facing them and becoming a top player in Japan, and even spreading his wings in the world.
Q: Can I participate in the activities of both U-18 and the top team?
A: As a player registered under the two-category system, he can participate in top team activities starting from training. If he is involved in the lineup for upcoming league matches or the Levain Cup, he will accompany the team as an official match member. Even if that is difficult, we believe that gaining official match experience at Sato's current age group is the most beneficial for his growth. Therefore, options include returning to U-18 activities to play in the Premier League or participating in top team practice matches. We want to continuously discuss and choose the stage where Sato can grow the most.
During the pre-season camp, there was a moment when I saw Sato and thought he could definitely compete in the professional world. Without saying anything, Sato ran up to Nagatomo and jogged together, asking him various things and showing his high communication skills. I could sense his desire to improve and draw something out of Nagatomo. Also, Matsuki said to me, "Sato will become a great player." When I asked him why, he said, "His way of thinking and speaking is similar to mine." I could feel Sato's potential and mental strength that made Matsuki say such things about him.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
I am Ryunosuke SATO, who has just signed a professional contract with Tokyo. I am delighted to be able to play as a professional player as a member of the club that I have admired since I was a child. I think I have only just started at the starting line of a professional contract, so I want to have the awareness of a professional player from here on and play with a focus on results. I will continue to work hard to become a player who can "excite" not only Tokyo but all of Japan. Thank you for your support.
Q: Please share your honest feelings when you received the offer for a professional contract.
A: Honestly, the thing I felt most was happiness. Being able to play with professional players on the stage I had aimed for, and considering my own future growth, I signed the contract without hesitation.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on being able to sign a professional contract at this timing.
A: Although we finished as runners-up in the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment in my individual performance. I am grateful to have signed a professional contract at this timing, which I believe is also very well-timed for the upcoming World Cup and Premier League.
Q: Did you participate in the pre-season camp this season? If so, is there anything that left an impression on you?
A: What left the strongest impression on me was when Yuto NAGATOMO, who had just returned from the World Cup, spoke to us about his activities with the Japan national team and his experiences as a professional player. I believe his words and his approach to soccer had a great impact on me. NAGATOMO is someone I admire and look up to as a role model. Although our positions are different, there are very few players in Japan who have played actively on the world stage and experienced the World Cup four times. I will do my best to surpass him.
