Wataru Endo “Would Like to Go” to Olympics if Called on by Japan

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

The Japan captain says that if he’s selected for the Olympics this summer he would like to participate.

For Liverpool and incoming manager Arne Slot, the priority this summer will be to get as many players as possible into pre-season training as early as possible in order to give the new trainer the best chance to instal his system and evaluate the squad.

That goal—and a first half July start to pre-season to go along with it—will be impacted somewhat by the Euros and Copa America this summer. It could also, in the case of a few players including Japan international Wataru Endo, be impacted by the Olympics.

“I’m wondering what will happen,” Endo told Japan’s ABEMA this week when asked about the possibility of being called up for the Olympics—and if he’d like to participate. “Nothing has been decided yet. But my stance is that if I’m selected I’d like to go.”

Other players who could be called up by their nations include Mohamed Salah of Egypt, with his national team making noises late in the spring hinting at doing just that. However, more recently they have at least appeared to have moved away from that stance.

Elsewhere, the Olympics’ focus on U23 squads with a few over-age players should mean few established Liverpool stars will be in the mix to be called up, but until all the squads are announced there will always be the possibility of a surprise inclusion.