Ao Tanaka posts defiant message after Japan exit as compatriots show support | OneFootball

Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka has issued a defiant message after his costly error in Japan’s last-32 defeat by Brazil, as team-mates and countrymen rallied round.

The player said in a post that he would face the setback head-on and accepted responsibility.

The knockout tie in Houston, Texas, was 1-1 when Tanaka won the ball from Endrick near his box, then lost it and Brazil scored within seconds. He bent double at full-time and was consoled by team-mates and Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha.

His message accepted that his ability was not good enough on the day, vowed to rise again, and thanked team-mates, staff and supporters.

Takumi Minamino and Ko Itakura replied with "Just do it". Hidemasa Morita of Sporting CP posted a phoenix emoji, echoing Tanaka’s self-description during last season’s return.

The midfielder has long worn his emotions. He cried after a 1-1 draw at Luton Town late in Leeds’ title-winning Championship season and previously admitted a spell out made him consider leaving Elland Road.

Leeds team-mates Jayden Bogle, Willy Gnonto and Anton Stach liked the post, as did the recently departed Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk