We are pleased to announce that Kai Shibato (29 years old) will be returning from his loan move to FC Machida Zelvia.

[Player name] Kai Kai Shibato
【date of birth】Born November 24, 1995 (29 years old)
[Birthplace] Kanagawa Prefecture
【position】MF
[Height/Weight] 180cm/70kg
[Football career] Ibukino FC Helios → Machida JFC → Municipal Funabashi High School → Meiji University → Urawa Reds → FC Machida Zelvia (loan transfer)


[Player Comments]
"To all our fans and supporters

I am grateful for the opportunity to play in the Urawa Reds uniform again.
A year ago, in search of more playing time, I decided to move to FC Machida Zelvia on a temporary basis.
This loan move was a tough decision.
This is because I was worried that I would be betraying myself, the club that recognized me, the fans and supporters who had high expectations of me, and Abe Yuki, by deciding to change to the number 22 jersey and fight with determination.

But at times like that, I remembered the words that Abe-san said to me when he gave me my uniform number: "Do your best like the sea." I still remember how those words made me feel lighter.

I also kept thinking about what I should do to wear this number and contribute to the team's victory as a player of Urawa Reds. I think I gained a lot from going out into the world for a year.
Next season, I would like to fight with even more determination than when I changed to number 22.
First of all, I hope that you will fully recover from your injury, and I look forward to meeting you again at Saitama Stadium as soon as possible.
thank you!

"Kai Shibato"