New West Ham United women’s team signing Yu Endo has vowed to bring her winning mentality to east London.
Endo’s arrival from Japanese top-flight side Urawa Reds brought an end to her 15-year association with the Club, having progressed through their youth ranks to become a mainstay in the side, featuring in every league game during her last two seasons.
Once the 27-year-old started to receive regular minutes in Urawa Reds’ first team in 2018, the club had to increase the size of their trophy cabinet. Endo won eight trophies in five years with her former side, including back-to-back league and AFC Women’s Champions League titles.
However, the versatile full-back - who can also play in midfield - will now embark on a new challenge with the Hammers, as she gears up for her first season in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
The No2 - who becomes the fifth Japan international to sign for the Hammers - is aware of the Japanese players that have come before her at the Club, and also in the WSL, and is keen to replicate their successes in the best league in the world.
In her first interview with West Ham TV, Endo insisted the plethora of trophies she accumulated in her native country was down to an abundance of hard work. Claret and Blue supporters will be sure to see her determination up and down the flank at Chigwell Construction Stadium - as well as somewhere on a golf course in east London!
Yu, congratulations on signing for West Ham United! How does it feel to be here?
"Thank you! I’m very happy that I have joined West Ham. At the same time, I have a strong wish to contribute to the team with my strength."
You spent 15 years with Urawa Reds, so what was it about West Ham that made you want to join the Club?
"The reason why I decided to move is because I wanted to see how much I could do at this Club. Also, because football is synonymous with England, I wanted to find out how much my play could achieve in this country. That’s why I moved to this team."
You mentioned playing in England, how much does the prospect of the WSL excite you?
"I know there have been a few Japanese players, so I’m curious how much I can shine among them. I’m looking forward to finding that out."
You’ve played at right-back and in midfield, so would you say you’re a versatile player?
"I am like an aggressive full-back, playing out wide, so I want to make use of my strong skills in the attack. I also want to show my skills in one-on-one defending."
In the last two seasons you played every league match!
"Yes, for the last season and the season before, I played in every game. I always wish to play from the start until the end. I think my achievement was based on looking after myself and my training, so here at this team too, I want to do my best to avoid injuries so I can play throughout the season."
You’ve won so much silverware over the last few years, how determined are you to bring that winning mentality to West Ham?
"When you talk about the trophies, you might think the Urawa Reds are a very strong team. But on the contrary, I think trophies are the results of individual efforts to fight hard. So, I want to share this mentality at West Ham too.
"I want to make sure everyone can show their individual ambition to win throughout the game. For the team to have such a mentality, I want to feel part of the team as soon as possible, and encourage everyone to think like that."
How much are you looking forward to being the next Japanese player to play for West Ham and in the WSL?
"I’m really happy that we can show just what Japanese players can do on the world stage. I was given No2, so I want to live up to the number, as a representative of Japan, here in England."
What do you like to do away from football, we’ve seen pictures of you playing golf!
"Yes, my hobby is golf! I was playing golf a lot in Japan. But, there are a lot of golf courses in the UK too. I brought my golf bag with me!"
Are you looking forward to living in London as well?
"I’m really looking forward to living in London. I had never been to London before, this is my first time being here. I’m really looking forward to learning what kind of place it is."
How much are you looking forward to getting started at West Ham?
"I saw Riko Ueki, my Japanese team-mate, yesterday. But I haven’t met any other players yet, so I'm looking forward to meeting them first. I’m also looking forward to playing with everyone, and winning matches with everyone. I’m also really looking forward to spending time together with everyone off the field too."
