Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka issues defiant message after Brazil blow as countrymen rally round | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has posted a defiant message after Japan’s last-32 loss to Brazil, accepting responsibility for the decisive moment. The player said in a post that he would face the setback head-on as compatriots offered public support.

With the knockout tie level at 1-1 in Houston, Texas, Tanaka initially won the ball on the edge of his own area from Endrick. He was swiftly dispossessed and within seconds Brazil scored what proved to be the winner. The 27-year-old was consoled at full-time by team-mates and Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha.

Displays of emotion are not new for Tanaka. He left the pitch in tears after a 1-1 draw at Luton Town late in Leeds’ title-winning Championship season, and before the tournament he admitted a spell on the sidelines had made him consider leaving Elland Road.

In his message he took the blame, saying his own level was not good enough on the night, and vowed to rise again. He also expressed gratitude to his team-mates, staff and those who have supported him.

Takumi Minamino and Ko Itakura replied to his post with the words “Just do it”. Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita added a phoenix emoji, a symbol Tanaka has used for himself after returning from last season’s brief exile to play in Leeds’ run-in.

Leeds colleagues Jayden Bogle, Willy Gnonto and Anton Stach liked the post, as did the departing Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk