The long rehabilitation we overcame is
preparation for the future
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
It was a season for Renta HIGASHI to try to emerge from a long tunnel. Last season, he sought a place to shine at SC Sagamihara in the J3 League on a developmental loan, but just as he began to accumulate playing opportunities, he was struck by a series of injuries. In November, he was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and damage to the lateral support structure of his left knee, with a full recovery time of about 10 months. Now back in Tokyo this season, what has he been thinking about as he faces himself in his return, and what level-ups has he been working on?
It was the second year of my professional career, starting with rehabilitation. Even so, Renta HIGASHI said, "I never lost heart. I thought I would enjoy even the rehabilitation." By increasing even the smallest things I could do, I aimed to spend each day in a way that I would be told, "You've changed. You've grown," when I returned.
Changed mindset and actively worked on physical transformation, thinking, "This is a good opportunity." By the time summer arrived, it was clear that the body had gained thickness, and it was fully conveyed that such words were being put into practice.
While accumulating careful days, there were also pleasant surprises. The initial plan for my return was in October, but rehabilitation progressed smoothly, and my return was moved up by two months.
"I was able to shorten my rehabilitation period thanks to physiotherapist Miyama (Yoshihisa) and all the staff. I believe that not having re-injured myself after returning is also due to the support from those around me, so I am truly grateful and able to play with that in mind."
After returning, I continued the daily search for small footholds of growth, just like during my rehabilitation.
"My physical condition has improved compared to before my injury. I have been working on regaining my senses and returning to my original condition. It has been rewarding to gradually increase what I can do, to move my body as I wish, and to be able to do things that I couldn't do before my return. I have also been able to participate in longer periods during practice matches and training games, which has contributed to my growth. I feel I have grown by watching the plays of the players around me and learning from them to improve myself."
Such moments make him spit out new goals from his mouth.
"First, I have to surpass the player I was before my injury in order to be involved in the matches. Rather than going back to my previous self, I want to become a better player. I want to demonstrate my physical strength through my play, while also being vocal and managing the game well. That's the kind of player I aspire to be."
Although the long-awaited J1 League debut has been postponed, I achieved my first bench appearance in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 34 match against Vissel Kobe. I was unable to participate in the match, but the dream of stepping onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium has grown.
"I want to challenge myself to see how much I can be involved in matches next season. I think it's about how well I can prepare when I'm not able to play, so I want to build a solid foundation here. Since my time with FC Tokyo U-18, I've wanted to be a ball person and perform at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to make that a reality. First, I want to be able to say that I've prepared for that over these next two seasons."
I saw a different perspective in the same city. Now I can go as far as I can on a different path. Renta HIGASHI is dreaming so much that he can't sleep.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
