Ando Shonsuki, a Japanese goalkeeper, is back on the field after a 9-year break, playing a match for his team Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League against Central Coast Mariners from Australia.
The player, who turned 34, has only played in 24 matches throughout his entire career, primarily with Kawasaki Frontale, explaining that it is not so easy to change almost a stable position of a key goalkeeper. The team won with a score of 2:0, and Ando showed a good level of play, despite the long break.
"A goalkeeper is a special position, and it's hard to change it. Other future opportunities might arise, and I strive to be ready," Ando told France-Presse.
He also noted that he did not lose faith and motivation over all these years, spent mostly in the reserve team, and although it might be disappointing, his enthusiasm did not wane.
Ando rose through the ranks at Kawasaki Frontale and began his professional career in 2009, but he quickly realized that getting the main goalkeeper position in the team is not so easy. During this time, he was sent on loan to other clubs, but despite all the challenges, his match against Central Coast Mariners was his first after 11 years spent in professional football.