Atsuki Ito will be leaving the team in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club.
We will inform you of future plans as soon as they are officially decided.

[Player Comments]
"I was born in Urawa and have been watching Urawa Reds ever since I was old enough to understand, so when I think about it now, it seems like it was only natural that I would start playing soccer and dream of playing at Saitama Stadium in the Urawa Reds uniform.
However, the days I spent playing at Urawa Reds Academy and fighting at Saitama Stadium wearing the Urawa Reds uniform were by no means ordinary; they were truly special and happy times.
To me, Urawa Reds is a special club that goes beyond just another soccer club.
Deciding to leave this special club at this time, while carrying the heavy responsibility of being captain, was the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life.
I fully understand that there will be a variety of opinions regarding this decision I have made, but it is with my respect and gratitude to Urawa Reds, a club that holds a special place in my heart, and to all the fans and supporters who support the club, that I would like to share my thoughts that have led to this decision.

For me, being a Urawa Reds player and captaining the Urawa Reds is a really special thing.
When the club asked me to become captain in July, I accepted the role because I wanted to fight for Urawa, I wanted Urawa to win the league, and I wanted and was prepared to be at the center of it all.
But at the same time, I always had a dream of playing overseas.

It may be difficult to gain your understanding, but both of my feelings are genuine and without any falsehood, and I can proudly say that I have been sincerely facing both of their feelings.
That's why I seriously considered the offer I received this time, and also listened carefully to the opinions and advice I received from my family and trusted people.
I really love this club, I grew up in this city and at this club, and now the club is moving forward towards the big challenge of the Club World Cup, and I'm even captain, so was it really okay for me to leave the club?
Having passed up the chance to play overseas and postponed his personal challenges, is it a realistic option for him to seize the next opportunity given his age?

Although I had considered ending my football career at this club, the main reason I decided to transfer this time is that when I thought about my future career and what I wanted to achieve as a player, I had a very strong desire to represent Japan and play in the 2026 World Cup, and I thought that now would be the best time to take on that challenge.
Last year, I was selected for the Japanese national team for the first time, and as I played on the national team and received strong inspiration from the other national team players, this feeling has grown stronger with each passing day.
The club tried hard to persuade me to stay, but in the end they said, "It is very important that players from the academy lead the team and develop it, but it is also important that you show your individual growth on the world stage and become someone the academy players can aim for and look up to," and I am very grateful that they respected my wishes.

And above all, I am more grateful than I can express in words to all our fans and supporters.
The presence of our fans and supporters is truly important to this club, and I am truly proud to have been able to fight alongside you all with the Urawa Reds emblem on my chest.
It is thanks to our fans and supporters that we have been able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere every time we play, at home or away, both in Japan and abroad, and I believe that we have grown as a result of receiving so much support, including some harsh words.
Thank you very much.
I believe that this decision will not be accepted by all of our fans and supporters, and I understand that you may not want to continue supporting us in the future, and for that I am truly sorry.
However, I would like you to understand that the way I have played, the words I have spoken, and the attitude I have shown as a member of Urawa Reds have been sincere and that I have approached this emblem with love and responsibility.

The day I climbed the stairs leading to the Saitama Stadium pitch for the first time.
The day I heard my name called for the first time, I almost cried.
I was happy to sing the chant for the first time, and at the same time, I felt proud to be singing the same chant as Hasebe-san.
The Emperor's Cup final was a dramatic victory in a unique atmosphere with no shouting due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Encouraged by the thunderous voices and applause, the ACL final made us feel like we could run as far as we wanted.
I have played for this club for three and a half years as a professional player, and around ten years if you include my time at the academy.
Although it was a short time, I was able to fight as captain of Urawa Reds.
Having been able to fight alongside Urawa Reds fans and supporters.

There are too many to list, but every moment I spent as a member of Urawa Reds was truly special and happy.
thank you very much"