Motonori Watanabe joined Liverpool FC's medical department ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season in the role of masseur/therapist.

He arrived at the club with more than a decade of experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, both within professional sports and clinical settings.

Born in Japan, 'Moto' moved to the UK in 2002 to study. He graduated from the University of Salford with an honours degree in sports rehabilitation in 2006.

He then returned to Tokyo afterwards, where he assumed a role at a sports injury clinic, treating both amateur and professional athletes, including national judo champions and sumo wrestlers.

It was in Japan where Motonori also gained a qualification as an acupuncture and moxibustion therapist from the Tokyo Co...