Wataru Endo makes retirement admission amid 'difficult' Liverpool spell

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesWataru EndoWataru Endo has opened up on his plans for life after his playing career, with the Liverpool midfielder set to represent Japan at the World Cup after a difficult seasonWataru Endo has a year remaining on his contract at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Wataru Endo has admitted he’s started thinking about what he will do when he retires from playing — although the midfielder insists he isn’t thinking about hanging his boots up just yet.Endo is coming off the back of a difficult season with Liverpool, both personally and for the club in general, with the Reds having only just qualified for the Champions League after having its fifth-place finish confirmed on the final day.Endo made his return to the matchday squad against Brentford on Sunday after a long injury lay-off, having been stretchered off against Sunderland with a nasty-looking ankle injury back in February.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Kennet Eichhorn talks, Curtis Jones hint, Van de Ven speaksREAD MORE: Liverpool blocked from signing $14M talent Kennet Eichhorn in transfer setbackThe 33-year-old was unable to make his way onto the pitch for the final game of the campaign, though, leaving him on just 12 appearances for the season.It’s not the ideal preparation for Endo, who will now head to North America to represent Japan at the World Cup with very little playing time behind him, and he has admitted to finding the lack of opportunities tough since Arne Slot’s arrival as head coach.“It's a difficult moment for me because I haven't played a lot of games this season and also last season as well,” Endo told FIFPRO's Footballers Unfiltered.Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo suffered an injury back in February but has been named in Japan's World Cup squad(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)“But I think the most important thing is to be ready for every game. Even if you play only five or 10 minutes, you have to play well on the pitch.“So, that's what I tried [in] the last few seasons.

I feel like I get a little bit older because I'm already 33 years old and I don't play a lot of games, but I still feel like I can play every game for Liverpool or something like that. So, I think to stay positive is also important for me to achieve something.”With just a year remaining on his contract, Endo has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with another major overhaul potentially on the cards at Anfield.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.

Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.The midfielder admits that retirement has crossed his mind, but despite his injury problems this season and his diminishing minutes, he doesn’t see it as an option just yet.“I've started thinking about [life] after my career as well but it doesn't mean I stop playing football next year or something like that,” Endo added.“I'm interested in being a manager and I'm also interested in the business of football. I have two of my own books.