Takehiro Tomiyasu exclusive: Arsenal defender on injury frustration, his Champions League chance and more ahead of the new season

The Arsenal star sat down to discuss his battle for fitness, playing in Europe's elite club competition and more in an exclusive interview with GOAL

Last season was far from easy for Takehiro Tomiyasu. In his second campaign with Arsenal, the battle for a starting spot intensified after Ben White's conversion to right-back. Tomiyasu took on various roles depending on the team's situation and the opposition, and, despite these challenges, he continued to deliver reliable performances for Mikel Arteta.

However, he sustained a right knee injury in mid-March that resulted in a long-term absence. For the second consecutive year he was forced to miss the crucial final stages of the season, and ultimately did not manage to return before the Gunners' title bid came to a cruel end.

Being sidelined during the most important moment of the campaign for two years in a row, and with Arsenal ultimately losing out to Manchester City, made the year a frustrating one for Tomiyasu. He remains optimistic, though, telling GOAL: "If I can perform well in two-three years, no one will remember my current injury."

The 24-year-old, having dived into the European stage at a young age, talks about the mentality needed to "keep fighting at the top level", and shares his thoughts on his club's fans and more in an exclusive interview, courtesy of ASICS.

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Injuries and motivation
You got injured towards the end of the season, what were your thoughts during your rehabilitation period?
Tomiyasu: "Well, injuries and other negative events did happen. But if you ultimately succeed, those negatives will just be a part of the process. Say, two or three years later, if there's a World Cup and I perform well and succeed there, nobody's going to remember this injury. I saw it as part of the process to succeed in the end."
After your injury, many players sent comments wishing for your recovery on your Instagram post...
"It's not just when I get injured, it's the same for other players too. We've got a lot of young players, and we're really a great team. We're noisy and lively, but when it's time to get down to business, it's like we do it! Simply put, as a player, I'm glad to hear such things. After all, showing your worth on the pitch is what being a footballer is all about. I want to get back quickly and help the team."
How do you motivate yourself to switch from everyday life to training or matches?
"In the end, when I look at the other players, there's not much difference, in a good way, everyone is kind of neutral. It's not like I do anything special just because it's a match. Training, matches, normal days, it's all the same.
"Rather, I think you can't play at the top level consistently throughout the year if you're not at that level. So, not being overly conscious and just doing it as always is probably one of the important elements."

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Top fans and a Champions League chance
How do you feel about your relationship with the Arsenal fans?
"Without a doubt, we have a top stadium and top fans, even on a global scale. It's pretty unique, you don't usually see home supporters cheering when we concede a goal. That wasn't even the case for Arsenal a few years back either. Having experienced that, it makes me really want to win for the fans and supporters who are cheering us on. You can genuinely feel like you're in the fight together. I think it's all about playing and winning for them on the pitch."
Are you happy with your own chants?
"Yeah, I'm happy. They made a chant for me right after I joined. I'm really grateful. But right now, I feel like I don't quite live up to it, like I need to do much more. I've had an injury and I'm not satisfied with my performance. In that sense, next year is going to be a decisive year and I have to do my best."
Next season, you'll be challenging in the Champions League for the first time. What kind of performances do you hope to show?
"It's my first time in the Champions League and it's a special stage that I've been dreaming of. But, the fact that I wear the Arsenal uniform and step onto the pitch won't change. I'll play for this emblem but the crucial thing is how much I can show my worth on the pitch. What I have to do will not change."
Lastly, could you give a message to Arsenal fans?
"Although we couldn't win the title last season, I think we showed the potential to do so. I'm confident that we will be a better team next season. I hope we can experience winning the Premier League together."

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Injuries and motivation

Top fans and a Champions League chance

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