Disappointed Reo Hatate has acknowledged that, despite his most recent international call-up, he felt “frustrated” to be ignored by Japan.
Notwithstanding traveling more than 5000 miles to his native country and not making the roster for either of the matches against China or Bahrain, the Celtic star has maintained that it was not a waste of time.
Although Hajime Moriyasu was only able to designate 23 players in the matchday squads, he nonetheless called up 27 players for the World Cup qualifying double header.
Hatate was not successful on either occasion, which led some supporters of the Hoops to criticize the futile travel in the middle of the Premiership with the Champions League campaign rapidly approaching.
The midfield player, nevertheless, rejects such idea, stating that his disappointment on the trip simply motivates him to perform more for the Scottish champions.
“I would be lying if I said I did not have regrets about the recent Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup,” he said in a Sportiva article.
“On September 5 at home against China and September 10 away against Bahrain, Japan played, and even though I was picked for the national team, I didn’t make the 23-man roster for either match. I was sure that I could contribute when I took the field since I had been in terrific shape during the preseason and had helped Celtic score a goal and get an assist since the league season began.”
“Having to watch the game from outside after traveling from Glasgow for such a long time both annoyed and saddened me. This is a normal emotion for every musician, in my opinion, and without that irritation, I wouldn’t have grown and developed.”
“Who plays in the game is decided by the coach, who also has the final say on matters of authority. That is an area that I, as a player, have no power over.”
“Being a human, I occasionally express my annoyance through my expression. However, after competing in the AFC Asian Cup 2024 for the Japan national team, I have grown even more committed to staying with the squad and have a greater desire to support the team whether or not I play in the games.”
“I would like to pursue the goals and assists that I have been working on at Celtic and the intensity with which I can get in front of the goal so that I can get back on the pitch as a player for the national team.”
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