Japan captain Wataru Endo, ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, says he will retire from the national team.

Early on June 12th Beijing time, Japan's squad confirmed that their skipper, Liverpool's midfield anchor Wataru Endo, has been forced out of the World Cup roster because of an injury. In his place, 26-year-old striker Shuto Machino from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach has been added. Shortly after, Endo announced on his social media that he was officially retiring from the national team.

Endo, who had made the Japan squad after a long recovery from an ankle issue at Liverpool, suffered another injury in last month's friendly against Iceland. Although he continued training with the team, his recovery did not go well, and he ultimately had to withdraw from the squad.

Endo wrote on his personal social media:

"As announced, I will withdraw from the World Cup squad. Since the injury, I have done everything I could, so I have no regrets. Of course, I am disappointed not to participate in this World Cup, but more importantly, I am proud to have led this team as captain since the Qatar World Cup, helping it grow into a group that can naturally aim for the World Cup title.

The current team is truly exceptional. I believe they can overcome any adversity and show us sights never seen before. I will take this opportunity to officially retire from the national team. From now on, I will support the Japan national team as a fan.

The time will come when Japan wins the World Cup. Let us support the team with this belief. To make that moment happen at this very World Cup, let all of Japan unite and fight together at the North America World Cup! Everyone, just go for it!

Thus, Wataru Endo's journey with the Japan national team comes to an end, with his final record standing at 73 appearances, 4 goals, and 4 assists.