Japan representative midfielder Takumi Minamino (Monaco), who is currently in training camp in Doha, Qatar, celebrated his 29th birthday on the 16th. “I’m happy to be able to celebrate my birthday during my national team period. I’m happy that we were able to celebrate today after winning the previous game (against Vietnam on the 14th).” The man who played a key role in the team’s victory against Vietnam, who scored two goals, was all smiles when interviewed by the press after that day’s practice.
Before the general practice, the players and staff lined up in two lines on the pitch to form a flower path, and Minamino, who passed between them, was patted on the head to congratulate him. “I’m embarrassed to receive such a welcome, but I’m happy,” he said shyly. He was 20 years old when he was first called up to the A national team in October 2015, but more than eight years have passed since then, and the current members include defender Shogo Taniguchi, midfielder Wataru Endo, midfielder Junya Ito, goalkeeper Mayuya Maekawa, and forward Asano. He became the 6th oldest person after Takuma.
Midfielder Takumi Minamino walks through the flower path created by players and staff.
“When I was 20 years old, I felt like a veteran at 29 years old, much older than me.When I think about that, I feel like I’m getting older.” She said with a wry smile, but she has no intention of getting old just yet. “I still want to grow to compete at the top in Europe. This Asian Cup is also an important tournament in my career. I want to leave something behind,” he said enthusiastically.
“I want to keep evolving, and I always think that the present is the best. I guess I won’t feel old in three or four years.” While joking, she said, “This is my first tournament at the age of 29. I want to do my best to finish on a good note,” about her birthday resolution. After the press interviews finished, defender Yusei Sugawara and defender Ko Itakura made a surprise appearance with birthday cakes prepared by the TV station. Sugawara, who had cream on his face, playfully rubbed his face against Minamino’s practice uniform and smiled happily as his juniors congratulated him.
playfully rub your face
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㊗#Takumi Minamino is my 29th birthday#Yusei Sugawara #Kitaka Itakura is a surprise blessing
birthday cake gift
＼#gekisaka #Representation from Japan #Japan Soccer National Team#jfa #daihyo #SAMURAIBLUE#asiacup #AsianCup2023— Gekisaka (@gekisaka) January 16, 2024
(Source: Wen Xishan Hongping)
●AFC Asian Cup 2023 special feature
2024-01-16 11:24:15
#Takumi #Minamino #celebrates #29th #birthday #Doha #players #staff #creating #flower #path #feel #embarrassed #receive #Gekisaka
