The Liverpool midfielder could return to the starting line-up for the FA Cup game
Wataru Endo praised the people of Liverpool after moving to the club(Image: Copa/Getty Images)
Wataru Endo has become a fan favourite at Liverpool. The midfielder is likely to feature when the reds face Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round this afternoon.
The Japanese captain was relatively unknown on Merseyside when he unexpectedly signed for the reds in the summer of 2023 from German side Stuttgart. However, he became an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side as they won the League Cup and returned to the Champions League last season.
He has featured less during this campaign under Arne Slot but has still impressed in his appearances in the League Cup and off the bench in the Premier League. Away from the pitch, Endo is quite reserved but has spoken about the importance of his close family.
After playing in a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the League Cup last season, Endo revealed the day was of particular significance for him. He said: “It was a big day today as my four kids started at their new school.
“I haven’t heard yet how they found it, but I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. I’m so happy that my family are here. We’ve moved into a new house and everything is good. I can’t wait to see them. Family is everything to me.”
Yusaburo Matsuoka, Stuttgart’s former goalkeeping coach, backed this up in a 2023 interview. He said: “In his private life, he is a father of four. He always thinks about his family. Even if he is tired from the game, he spends time with them and is a very kind father.”
In a rare interview earlier this year, Endo said his wife was happy for the family to move to Merseyside in 2023 when he told her that the club were interested in signing him. He said: “She knows Liverpool. When I told her, she said, you should go. She knew that I wanted to move to the Premier League.”
In the same interview, Endo revealed he had been a fan of The Beatles since childhood but had no idea they were from Liverpool until he moved here. He said: “I really like the city and also the people who live in Liverpool. They are very kind and nice.
“I went to see The Beatles museum. My English teacher loved the Beatles. Before class, I always listened to Beatles songs. I know a few songs. My favourite is Let It Be.
“But I didn’t know The Beatles from Liverpool. When I moved to Liverpool, my friend told me.” After hearing this, Endo felt like the move to Merseyside was “destiny”.