Japan: Keita Suzuki Eyeing National Team Return

The all-action midfielder has his sights on the World Cup...

Keita Suzuki is looking to the battle on the way back to Japan's national team after an absence of 18 months.

The midfielder was one of the stars of the 2007 Asian Cup, but has fallen from grace after battling tonsillitis and injuries last season.

"Last year I felt like quitting," he told The Japan Times.

"It was tough for me mentally. I could not eat anything, and as a result I lost over 10 kg. During that time I was called to play for the national team and that just sent me into a spiral.

"I was playing too. I had been playing for a long time without a break, so looking back I realize that it was good to get some free time. But while I could not even look at a football ...[source]