I try to avoid having superstitions as much as possible.

MatsudaI've heard that even professional athletes have some kind of superstition. Do you have any particular attachment to numbers? I heard somewhere that you only ever sit in seats 16 or 17 on the Shinkansen.

FujitaThat wasn't about numbers; it was because they're close to the exit. I choose 16 or 17 because they're near the exit and on the side where you can see Mt. Fuji. That said, my jersey number was 16 in Utrecht, so I don't dislike 10 and 16. I wouldn't get a license plate with 10, but if, by chance, the locker number I used was 10, I'd be a little happy.

MatsudaDo you have any specific rituals or routines when it comes to football?

FujitaWhen it comes to football, I try not to have too many of those. I don't like being bound by them. But then, having nothing at all makes me a little uneasy, so before a match, I put a tiny bit of citrus-scented aroma oil on the mark of my uniform. Other than that, I don't eat too much before a game, that's about it.

MatsudaA subtle aroma during the game sounds lovely. You mentioned trying various training methods yourself. Do you pass on the successful ones to younger players?

FujitaWhether they adopt the method or not is another matter, but I readily share anything I think is good. People often say professional players don't share their methods, but that's not true for me. On the contrary, I actively listen to the opinions of younger players.

MatsudaThat's wonderful. As you become a veteran, people around you tend to stop disagreeing.

FujitaThat's a worrying thought. That's why I make an effort to judge myself calmly, the more veteran I become.

At John Lobb Marunouchi

2007 YEAR COLLECTION

As a player, and as chairman of the players' association...

MatsudaDo you plan to become a coach in the future?

FujitaHmm, I'm not sure yet, but I love football, so I can't imagine being away from it. I think as time goes on, I'll want to become a manager even more than I do now, so I'm considering getting my license.

MatsudaRamos, Stojković, and Kenta Hasegawa are all managers now. I feel like seeing the players from our golden era become managers might bring fans back.

FujitaIn that sense, I'm also moving into a similar position, and I have the desire to experience it firsthand. Being a manager is a tougher world than being a player. Anyone will panic after three consecutive losses. What I would do then is something I can only find out by doing it. Isn't that true for you too, Matsuda-san?

MatsudaThat's true. My approach to work changed after I became president. My perspective became much more detailed.

FujitaI suppose so. Whether it's a football manager or a company president, the boss is the same, regardless of the profession, aren't they?

MatsudaFinally, could you tell us your aspirations for this year?

FujitaTo play the full season without injury and win. That's been my aspiration, not just for this year, but always. First, it's important to be able to say, 'I can fight for a whole year,' and be trusted. On top of that, this year, I want to work actively as the players' association chairman, just as I do on the field. There was a time when I thought just performing well was enough, but now I feel it's not just about that. So this year, in a way, I feel I need to be a bit more assertive. I have to lead everyone, and I have to make decisions while things are still exciting. In terms of speed, I think it's the same as on the field.

MatsudaThank you very much. I look forward to your continued success.

FujitaThank you, as well.

Toshiya Fujita Official Website│http://www.toshiya.tv/

J.League Players Association Chairman Interview│http://j-leaguers.net/special/special/file023.html

Special Page for Fundraising for Player Ganaha's Doping Case Arbitration│http://j-leaguers.net/ganaha/index.html