The Liverpool midfielder said it was a special experience to play in his homeland, and was also asked about Arne Slot’s decision to select him at center-back

Wataru Endo received a hero’s welcome from the crowd in Japan as Liverpool beat Yokohama F.Marinos (Image: Getty Images)

Wataru Endo has described the reception he received against Yokohama F.Marinos on Wednesday as “amazing.”

The Liverpool midfielder came off the bench in the second half of the 3-1 win and was handed the captain’s armband by Virgil van Dijk when he entered the pitch. He was greeted with a huge roar at the Nissan Stadium as the Japanese supporters were thrilled to see their national team captain back in his homeland.

Endo had been a selection doubt after missing last week’s friendly against AC Milan due to illness, but his inclusion was the highlight for many in the stadium. Speaking after the match, Liverpool’s No. 3 spoke of his pride and revealed his family were also in attendance to see him face his boyhood club.