Charleroi midfielder Ryota Morioka working hard in voluntary training (Sports Nippon Shimbun)

In his ninth season in Europe, former Japan national team player Ryota Morioka on why he continues to fight overseas: "Even when my career is over..."

Last year, he had three goals and three assists in 22 games, despite the effects of a broken rib. He has not been a starter since December 26, 2006, against Anderlecht. 　

The question was clear: Does he have any intention of returning to Japan, and how would he feel about continuing his career in the J-League? 　The answer was clear. 　

Even after my career is over, I would like to live here. I only know Poland and Belgium, but I don't find it difficult to live here. Japanese seasonings and other things are readily available. I feel that people in Europe live with less stress. They are more honest about their desires than the Japanese. Europeans are very assertive, which sometimes makes me laugh. However, they do not perceive the differences in culture and ways of thinking as stress, but as their individuality. Many stores are not open on Sundays, but he can laugh it off, saying, "If that's the case, just go shopping beforehand. 　

As a father of two children, he could not overlook the educational environment. The main official languages of Belgium are French and Dutch. Children come from all over the world to attend international schools, and English education is well developed. Nowadays, my children speak English more fluently than I do. In a society that recognizes diversity, he emphasizes, "It is great to be able to learn different ways of thinking. 　The main reason why he is so determined to stay in Europe is because of his attitude toward soccer. 　Personally, I have not lost my desire to play in a higher league. I also want to return to the Japan national team. But I don't just want to be invited to the national team; I want to perform well there. I am here for that reason." He will leave Japan in the near future to join the camp in Charleroi. This will be his ninth season in Europe. Charleroi is not often broadcast in Japan, so if I don't produce results, I can't send out good news. I want to bring even one bright topic to the people who support us. One of Japan's best fantasistas is looking forward to shining in Europe. 

Ryota Morioka was born on April 12, 1991, in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is 32 years old. He joined Kobe in 2010 from Kumiyama High School in Kyoto. In January 2004, he moved to Sironcu Wroclaw (Poland). In January 2004, he moved to Sironcu Wroclaw (Poland), where he continued to play abroad, joining Charleroi (Belgium) in January 2007. He has scored zero goals in five international A-match appearances. 1 meter 80, 72 kg.

Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/954d0eb01d4c1b090d5188555423e1ed273c114c