InterviewWataru Endo: I had a simple dream - I hope my story helps others

The Japan international achieved a childhood ambition when he completed a move to the Reds last summer after four years in Germany with VfB Stuttgart.

Endo had long aimed to make it to the Premier League before making his first steps in the professional game in his home country.

Now 31 and a regular figure in Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool team, he wishes to be a role model for anyone aspiring towards objectives like he did.

“To see someone like me come from a small club and play in the Premier League means a lot to the Japanese football world,” said Endo.

“I dreamed of it, but I never thought I’d play for a team like Liverpool.

“It was nothing concrete, just a simple dream. I just knew I wanted to play in the Premier League someday, but now I find myself living that dream.

“I’m really pleased that I followed my dream and continued to work hard and that I was able to succeed in making it here, because I hope that my story will influence other children to do so in the future.”

Speaking as part of the Premier League’s Greatness comes from Everywhere series, Endo explained how his passion for football was initially passed on by his father.

“I watched my father play football a lot, so that also inspired me to play, and I liked playing with my friends,” he said.

“As well as the J.League, I started watching a lot of Premier League matches and that is when I started to dream of playing in the Premier League one day.

“I believed in myself and my determination to succeed never waned.

“My father definitely inspired me the most. He’s not very talkative, but he always told me to think for myself and to act on my decisions, and to choose my own path in life.”

The No.3 has now played 33 games for the Reds, helping in the lifting of the Carabao Cup last month and the squad’s ongoing tilts to win the Premier League and Europa League.

Endo added: “Even when I achieve good results, I’m never satisfied, because I still want to improve as a professional footballer.”