Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riffa: Japan midfielder Ritsu Doan admitted his success in claiming the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship’s Most Valuable Player award came as a surprise after his side claimed the continental crown at the Bahrain National Stadium on Sunday.
A series of accomplished displays on the right side of Japan’s midfield throughout the competition saw the Gamba Osaka youngster pick up the award as the Japanese won the title for the first time ever.
“I was surprised when my name was called for the MVP award because I didn’t think I had performed that well throughout the tournament,” said the 18-year-old.
“I think I won this award not just by myself but it was the result of the work done by the rest of the team and I appreciate my team mates. It means a lot to win this tournament and the award.
“I wanted to score more goals and have more assists, to be honest, and contribute to my team more. I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. I wanted to play as well as I could.”
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/jpn_ksa_action_jpg_1.html
