“I was crying a little bit” – Liverpool star sends emotional message to fans after injury blow | OneFootball

Liverpool Midfield Grit: Wataru Endo’s Emotional Injury Moment

Liverpool’s season under continues to carry momentum, but moments of sacrifice often define campaigns as much as silverware. Few examples capture that better than the recent injury setback suffered by Wataru Endo, a player whose influence stretches beyond minutes on the pitch.

Endo Injury Blow Explained

The Japan international is currently deep into rehabilitation after surgery on a foot injury sustained during Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in February. It was not a routine knock or an unfortunate twist, it came in a moment that summed up Endo’s approach to football.

Trying to clear danger inside his own penalty area, he committed fully, putting his body on the line to protect his team. That commitment came at a cost. The injury forced him off the pitch on a stretcher, though not before one last act of defensive duty.

Recalling the incident, Endo said:“I still remember that the cross came into the box and I just tried to clear it outside of the goal… I think I put my whole weight on my left foot and then it got injured. It was painful, of course!

“I was thinking [that] I couldn’t play anymore. [I got up] because Robbo [Andy Robertson] told me, ‘We have to defend this corner so if you can just try to do it and then after we defend the corner you go down again.’”

Photo: IMAGO

Fans Lift Liverpool Midfielder

There is something revealing about what happened next. Injured, struggling, clearly unable to continue, Endo still forced himself upright.

“I just tried to stand up but it was so painful… I just wanted to help the team even if I got injured.”

Moments later, the physical pain was overtaken by something else entirely.

“It was painful. The doctor asked me if I could stand up and walk off the pitch but I said no and I was crying a little bit… I was not crying because it was painful, it was because our fans were singing my song and that means a lot to me.”

In a squad full of elite talent, this is where Endo has carved out his place at Liverpool. Not always first choice, not always in the spotlight, but deeply valued. He acknowledged that connection openly.

“I think it felt less painful because of that and I really appreciate it because I haven’t played a lot of games this season, but I always try to help the team even if I just play five minutes or 10 minutes, it doesn’t matter.”

Role Under Arne Slot’s Liverpool

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have evolved into a more controlled and tactically flexible side, one that went on to win the Premier League in the 2024/25 season. Within that system, Endo’s role has been specific but important, providing structure, discipline and experience when called upon.

He may not dominate headlines, but players like Endo often become essential during decisive moments across competitions. His injury therefore arrives at a delicate time, with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts.

Season Ambitions Remain Clear

Despite his absence, Endo remains focused on the bigger picture.

“[Also] I’ve got a lot of comments on social media after the injury. I really appreciate it. They take care of me. It helped me a lot to keep me motivated.”

Looking ahead, Liverpool face a demanding run, including an FA Cup quarter final and a Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain. The objectives are clear.

“I think now everyone knows that’s going to be our goal in this season, we still have a chance to win the Champions League and the FA Cup, so I think we are trying to win both of them.”

For Liverpool, success this season will be measured in trophies. For Wataru Endo, it is also about resilience, connection and doing the unseen work that keeps a team moving forward.