Leeds United star Ao Tanaka in heartfelt Japan gesture ahead of World Cup
Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has showed once again why he is impossible not to love while away on Japan duty.
Tanaka did not start as often as he would have liked in the Premier League last season, doing so just 14 times.
However, the 27-year-old will play a key part in Japan's World Cup campaign, which begins against the Netherlands on Sunday.
Japan are considered one of the dark horses to make it deep in the competition, with Tanaka one of a number of well-known names.
Tanaka has earned 38 caps for his national side and has scored eight times.
Ahead of his World Cup campaign getting under way, he has showed off some interesting clobber.
Ao Tanaka to wear specially designed shinpads at World Cup
Tanaka has been a fan favourite pretty much from the moment he arrived at Elland Road in August 2024.
The midfielder played a massive part in Leeds' return to the Premier League and was also used regularly last season, albeit often as a substitute.
Tanaka is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room and you can see from the outside he is clearly very grounded.
And the former Fortuna Dusseldorf ace has now shown another wonderful gesture of goodwill for the World Cup.
As reported by The Japan News, Tanaka will wear specially designed shinpads that have been decorated by Wajima lacquer craftsmen.
This is considered a traditional craft back home and Tanaka wants to show his support to the struggling industry.
The report outlines how the piece of kit is made in Wajima, which was heavily damaged in an earthquake two years ago.
“I want to give people courage,” Tanaka said in reference to aiding the city back home.
The shinpads are predominantly black, with a golden mythical three-legged crow - said to guide people in the right direction - in the centre.
A small gesture it may be, but Tanaka is doing what he can to help those in Japan.
Tanaka may be run into the ground after injury update
Tanaka was always going to play an important role for Japan in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but perhaps even more so now.
Wataru Endo was ruled out on the eve of the tournament and then announced his retirement from international football.
With the Liverpool midfielder out, Tanaka will now be needed more than ever.
From a selfish perspective, Daniel Farke will simply be hoping Tanaka returns injury free and ready to go for next season.