◇ Section 1 ◇ 27 ◇ Yanmar

The mother of former Japan national team FW Yoshito Okubo (38), Chisato (66), who returned to Cerezo Osaka for the first time in 15 years, was pleased with the first round of the team taking the first step as a professional. Watching television in Shimabara city, Nagasaki prefecture, where my daughter’s home is. I responded to the phone interview with enthusiasm.

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-Where did you see the goal?

Chisato-san Actually, I wanted to go see Osaka. I don’t think I’m in the game. Even if I go into the sub (copy), there are good young players, and I think I can be out. I saw him alone at Yoshito’s (Ayumi) younger sister’s house in Shimabara. Then I was surprised by the starting lineup. When I scored the goal, I applauded and was very happy.

-C When did you find out that you would be returning to Osaka?

Chisato-san I returned to Ogura with my family at the end of the year. At that moment, I heard that I could go back to Cerezo. I also like Cerezo. It’s easy to get closer. I first joined the club when I was 18 when I left high school and I have many good and bad memories. Yoshito was smart when he was young. Please disturb multiple people. At 18, Morishi (Mr. Morishima) took care of me, and Mr. Aki (Nishizawa) loved me too. I wonder if the 18-year-old will be able to play the game when he turns 38. To be honest, it was tricky when I first heard it.

-Did you have any concerns as a parent?

Chisato-san Normally, you should say that players of this age (38 years old) cannot be used. Because last year I didn’t score a single point in Verdy (J2). Even so, he returned to Cerezo. Thank you all. Mr. Kajino (General Manager) said something like “I’ll bring Yoshito’s retirement card.” I am a father, but I am angry. How long has Kajino-san cared for and loved Yoshito? That’s because only the person and we can understand it. That is an expression of affection. I think I said something like that on purpose so that Yoshito would do his best.

-I want to see you playing well

Chisato-san, I haven’t done it this year. I can do my best for another 2-3 years. Shunsuke, who was the representative, will be 42 years old and Yat (Endo) will be 41 years old. Matsui, who is a higher level than Yoshito, also went abroad (Vietnam) that year. Everybody keeps doing it. I want you to show it off for a couple of years.

－Looks like you can make a good report to your father, Katsuhiro, who passed away in May 2013.

Chisato-san. I will return to Kitakyushu on the 1st. I am going to visit the tomb. Last year, Yoshito, who was unable to score a single goal, scored a goal in the first round of the Cerezo! What? So I’ll report it in front of the grave. I think you will be happy. I’ll go see him in Osaka too. The last time I saw the match was when I became Frontale’s top scorer for the third year in a row. I haven’t seen it in a long time. I haven’t contacted you at all, but it’s been entertaining even in such a year. As a parent, I have more fun.[Entrevista = Koichi Masuko]