On the 8th, after Trial Albirex Niigata at Saitama Stadium, a retirement ceremony was held for Tomoya UGAJIN who announced his retirement at the end of this season, and he gave a speech in front of the fans and supporters gathered at the stadium.

[Tomoya UGAJIN]
Hello everyone. I have decided to retire from professional soccer at the end of this season. I think I am the first player to speak here for the second time (laughs). Shinzo (Koroki) asked me to keep it brief, so I will keep it short and convey my honest feelings right now.

This season, I came back to Urawa Reds boasting that I didn't come back to retire, but I was unable to contribute to the team and it was frustrating. However, I believe that my teammates who are listening to me now have been watching me as I played at 100% every day. I was able to play at my best up until now thanks to my family who supports me every day, and I was able to continue playing as a professional soccer player for 15 years without any serious injuries thanks to my mother who gave me such a strong body. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you very much.

As I said when I first left the club, Saitama Stadium is my home after all. I am really happy to be able to say my retirement greetings here, and once again, I think that Urawa Reds are the best.

However, I don't think that my beloved Urawa Reds should be in this Pos, and I don't think we should be playing Trial like this. I think that the players here now, especially Ryoma Watanabe, came to Urawa Reds with a very strong determination. I also want Takahiro Sekine and Genki Haraguchi to fight with a stronger determination and will than anyone else to make this club stronger. I also want everyone here to take on the world next year with a strong determination not to be outdone by those three. And I want everyone to grab the league championship that we were unable to achieve.

I will retire as a professional soccer player, but once again, my dream is to become the general manager of Urawa Reds. I will continue to fight for Urawa Reds from off the pitch from next season onwards. To all the supporters, next time I hope you will applaud rather than boo me. It has been a truly happy 15 years. Thank you."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]