August 19, 2023. Mitsuki Saito received an intense charge during the match and was unable to get up from where he fell on the pitch.Dislocation of the left knee joint, damage to the complex ligaments of the left knee, and damage to the medial and lateral meniscus.It was a major injury that took about a year to fully heal.Even in such a situation, player Saito doesn't show any signs of pessimism at all."If you want to continue playing soccer, just do what you need to do."What intention lies behind those powerful words? Saito, whose full transfer to Vissel Kobe was decided from the 2024 season, told us about his "current location".

——You’ve transferred to Vissel Kobe from this season. Could you share your thoughts on joining the team?

I am delighted that they have accepted me in my current injured state, in the form of a full transfer.At the same time, I am extremely grateful to Shonan Bellmare, who have supported me thus far.As a professional soccer player, it’s essential to achieve results, so the top priority is to recover from injuries. However, I want to get back on the pitch and perform as soon as possible.I want to take full responsibility for this and go through rehabilitation, aiming to return to my original form as an athlete.

——How is your recovery from the injury going?

I am recovering smoothly and gradually starting to train.I still can’t run, but I have started to move my body through practices like cycling.The injury I sustained to the ligament in my left knee is relatively common in the soccer world, so I plan to follow a certain rehabilitation plan while adding some additional training.When I got injured, it was extremely significant that everyone, including owner Mikitani, President Chifu, SD Nagai, my teammates, and all the staff, showed their concern for me and helped me take the next step.Not only Vissel Kobe, but also Shonan Bellmare and Gamba Osaka, where I belonged before, supported me.I express my gratitude to all those people.

——After Saito got injured, Vissel Kobe fought the season under the slogan “Together with Mitsuki”, uniting with their supporters. Did you receive that message?

Of course, it had arrived.Last year, I was on loan at Vissel Kobe, and it was truly heartwarming to receive kind words in such a situation.No matter how severe the injury, if I want to play soccer, I have no choice but to heal, and it’s not a reason for me to give up.The message conveyed an intensified desire to return to the pitch quickly and to play soccer again.

——What is it that supports Saito, the player who confronts adversity?

It’s the desire to purely play soccer.I am living by doing what I want to do, so as long as my body allows, I believe it’s only natural to continue playing soccer.I am grateful for this environment, and it’s my job to produce results within it.I am who I am today because of the support I received from various people, including my family, friends, and team. Therefore, all I need to do is do what I should do to meet their expectations.

—How would you analyze yourself, what type of player do you think you are?

I am not a technically gifted dribbler or attacker, nor do I possess exceptional physical abilities.That’s why I always try to use my brain.I believe they are logically thinking about how to win against the next opponent, and what kind of play would contribute to the team.I believe I am the type to clearly express my own opinions.Of course, with respect for the other party, whether they’re a manager, a coach, or an older player, I express my own thoughts.Once you’re on the pitch, relationships become flat because we’re on the same team, so it’s important to communicate what you’re feeling for the sake of winning.However, the final decision is up to the Manager, so I express my opinion and then accept it firmly.And make sure that the team can accomplish the required work 100%.I believe that the process is important.

——There are also athletes, such as children in their growth period, youth, and those in the university age group, who are facing injury problems.Do you have any advice for such people?

The first thing I want to convey is that there is no need to rush.For example, even if elementary and junior high school students couldn’t play soccer for one or two years, there’s still plenty of time ahead. Even for high school and college-aged players, if they can train other areas, those should become strong points after they return to the game.Professional athletes must produce results, so I understand the feeling of being impatient. However, for those who are aspiring to become professionals, I would like them to take their time and heal properly without rushing.

——What kind of performance would you like to show to children who aspire to be soccer players in the future?

I believe that it is not about me shining alone, but rather about continuing to excel as a team.To put it further, we need to raise the level of the entire J.LEAGUE and make it something people will pay attention to.Children may aspire to be superstars like Messi, and compared to such players, the level of J.LEAGUE is still quite far behind.We certainly want to make it as exciting as other sports and foreign leagues, don’t we?

——How do you cultivate your own view of soccer?

Sometimes, I learn by reading books, and other times, I study by watching games.I also converse with the manager, coaches, and teammates, interpreting in my own way, thinking daily about how to play well and how to build a strong team.Soccer trends are constantly changing, so I want to absorb various things from different places and incorporate them into my own play.

——Possibility of aiming to be a leader in the future?

What do you think? (laughs).I still don’t know.However, I feel that it is a challenge for the entire Japanese soccer community to raise the level of its coaches.For instance, while the number of players competing in Europe has increased, there are very few Japanese managers leading teams overseas.It would be interesting if a Japanese manager were to lead the world’s top team, wouldn’t it?I believe that not only the abilities of the players, but also the coaches and staff, need to level up in order to improve the overall standard of soccer in Japan.

“No matter what injury, it’s not a reason to give up on Soccer.”Producing results in soccer is my job.”Saito, the player who makes such definitive statements, possesses a high sense of pride as a professional soccer player and his unique perspective on soccer.His “strength” is indispensable for winning tough battles such as domestic titles and ACL (Asia Champions League).When will the day come for us to be active on the pitch again?I can’t wait to return.

INTERVIEW : Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
TEXT : Kodai Wada