NewsWataru Endo interview: Newcastle win, form, departing for Asian Cup and more

The midfielder signed off from club duty on Monday with another commanding performance as the Reds beat Newcastle United 4-2 at Anfield.

Endo will now link up with the Japan national squad, whom he will be hoping to captain to glory in the tournament, which gets under way in Qatar on January 12.

The 30-year-old goes to the Asian Cup having established himself as a key player for Jürgen Klopp following his summer switch from VfB Stuttgart, but he admits his excitement is tinged with a little disappointment, given he will now miss crucial games for Liverpool, including the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Fulham later this month.

"Yes, a little bit actually," Endo told Liverpoolfc.com when asked about his mixed emotions. "But you know I need to play for my national team as well.

"But I think the last few games I've played for this club, I have shown why I am here, so I go to Qatar, hopefully get a good result and then come back here."

Endo temporarily leaves with Liverpool top of the Premier League, three points clear of Aston Villa following their entertaining victory over Newcastle on New Year's Day.

"It was a huge win for us and a good start for 2024," he said. "We knew before the game that Newcastle is a very physical team so we were ready to suffer and I always try to get the ball, so we did that well actually in my opinion."

The No.3 continued: "I'm really enjoying playing football in front of the Liverpool fans at Anfield. I just try to do my best in every game and I'm so happy to be here.

"We are feeling great but this is just the start of the new year, so we have to stay focused and just try to get ready for every game coming."