Former Japan defender Matsuda dies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Japan defender Naoki Matsuda died in hospital on Thursday, two days after collapsing during training from a suspected heart attack. He was 34.
Matsuda, who won 40 caps for Japan and represented his country at the 2002 World Cup, had been put on an artificial respirator after arriving at hospital unconscious on Tuesday.
Hiroshi Otsuki, the president of his JFL (third division) side Matsumoto Yamaga, told Japanese media the club had been informed Matsuda had lost his fight by the player's family.
"It's terrible to see someone die at such a young age," former Japan coach Philippe Troussier, who gave Matsuda his international debut, told Reuters.
"It's a big shock. He was a great guy and I felt a close bond to him. My thoughts go to his family.
"He was a reliable and strong player and key for Japan's World Cup side in 2002," added the Frenchman, who led the Blue Samurai to the last 16 as co-hosts.
"It's bad news for Japanese football. We'd all hoped of course he would pull through. To see someone taken away doing something they love, so suddenly, at 34 is tragic. It's awful news."
Medical personnel had rushed to Matsuda's aid early on Tuesday after he collapsed with suspected heatstroke. Yamaga later said the player had gone into cardio-respiratory arrest.
Record temperatures across Japan have caused a rise in heatstroke cases with 43 deaths in the two months through the end of July, according to Kyodo news agency.
Matsuda made 385 appearances for Yokohama F-Marinos, helping them win back-to-back J.League titles in 2003 and 2004.
Source: Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments