Jürgen Klopp on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō's jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands:
🗣️ “I won't lie, that moment touched me. Football can be a beautiful game, but sometimes it can also be incredibly cruel. Seeing Endō miss the World Cup because of injury broke a lot of hearts, including mine.
When I saw the players holding up his shirt after the game, I got emotional. That wasn't a celebration of a draw. That was a group of teammates telling one of their brothers, 'You're still here with us.'
People only see the matches, the goals, and the results. They don't see the sacrifices players make every day. Endō worked for years to be on this stage, and having it taken away from him at the last moment is something no footballer ever wants to experience.
What made it special was how genuine it felt. Nobody told them to do it. It came from the heart. You could see how much respect and love they have for him.
Moments like that remind you that football is bigger than trophies and points. It's about relationships, loyalty, and standing beside people when they need you most.
I can only imagine what Endō felt watching from home. Pride, sadness, happiness all at the same time. But one thing is certain: he would have known that his teammates were playing for him.
And honestly, if Japan keep showing that kind of unity and heart, they can surprise a lot of people in this tournament. Because teams with that level of togetherness are capable of something special.”