Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has apologized for ending Wataru Endo's World Cup dreams after the Liverpool midfielder announced his international retirement due to a foot injury.
Moriyasu, who has said his goal is to take Japan to World Cup glory, made the decision that Endo should not be involved in the tournament, citing his inability to perform.
Endo, who made his Japan debut in 2015 and retires with 73 caps, was reportedly understanding and respectful of the decision, but Moriyasu acknowledged that it was a tough call to make.
The coach has urged his team not to dwell on the absence of Endo and injured Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, and instead focus on their World Cup ambitions.
Japan have been tipped to go far in the tournament, having impressed in beating England at Wembley in the lead-up to the competition.
