Mitoma: I was proud to play for the Japanese supporters

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Winger made first appearance in friendly win since February.

2024-07-25T11:10+01:00

Our Japanese supporters turned out in numbers at the National Stadium.

Kaoru Mitoma was proud to see Albion play in Japan for the first time on Wednesday, although the winger felt a bit rusty as he made his first appearance since returning from a five-month injury lay-off.

The 27-year-old played for the first 45 minutes of Albion’s 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers at the National Stadium in Tokyo and reflected positively on the friendly.

“It was a special stadium and for Brighton, it was a friendly test match to reinforce the team,” Mitoma said. “And I wanted to play for the Japanese supporters, but I also wanted to show my capability to the team.

Kaoru Mitoma makes his way onto the pitch at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

“I wasn't able to touch the ball so much or for so long. But I was able to sometimes take on a defender or make good passes, but that wasn't enough.

“I think I need to polish up my skills around the ball.”

Kaoru said he did feel the pressure of playing in front of fans from his home country, but sees the game as a good stepping stone towards returning to full fitness.

The winger was well received by the home crowd.

“Playing in England and in Japan, the burden is quite difficult. It’s different because the temperature in Japan is extremely high, and there's a little fatigue. But even in this humidity, I think we were able to be quite mobile. I was able to maintain my mobility.

“I didn't feel any problems. I was quite comfortable being on the pitch. From this point though I need to further raise my physical state so that I will be able to play the full 90 minutes during the season.”