Takehiro Tomiyasu makes U-turn on claims he needs to 'FORGET about football' following Japan's heartbreak World Cup exit - as he flies out to Dubai to join Arsenal teammates preparing for Premier League restart
- Takehiro Tomiyasu has reportedly flown out to Dubai to join Arsenal teammates
- Japan were knocked out of the World Cup by Croatia on penalties on Monday
- After the game, Tomiyasu said 'he needed a bit of time to forget about football'
- Arsenal are currently in Dubai preparing for a return to Premier League action
Takehiro Tomiyasu has gone back on claims that he 'needed a break from football' after reportedly flying to Dubai to meet up with his Arsenal teammates who are competing at the Dubai Super Cup.
According to Sports Nippon, the Gunners' right-back did not join many of his teammates in returning to Japan and instead flew to Dubai, after the Samurai Blue's heartbreaking World Cup exit on Monday.
It was Tomiyasu's first start of the tournament, but he could not lead his team to glory, with Japan losing 3-1 on penalties to Croatia.
![Takehiro Tomiyasu (pictured) was distraught after Japan were beaten by Croatia on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/17/65425801-11521801-image-a-12_1670606045719.jpg)
Takehiro Tomiyasu (pictured) was distraught after Japan were beaten by Croatia on Monday
The defender, who has 33 caps and one goal for his national team, had featured in both of Japan's epic group stage triumphs against former world champions Spain and Germany, helping his side go through top of their group, two points clear of Luis Enrique's side.
But he was lucky not to gift Croatia an early lead during the match, losing the ball in the first half before missing a chance to give the Samurai Blue a 2-1 lead, and was understandably distraught following the match.
![Heartbreak ensued for Japan who were beat 3-1 on penalties after holding Croatia to a 1-1 draw](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/17/65425829-11521801-Japan_were_beaten_3_1_on_penalties_after_holding_Croatia_to_a_1_-a-16_1670607050194.jpg)
Heartbreak ensued for Japan who were beat 3-1 on penalties after holding Croatia to a 1-1 draw
'My performance was a disaster so I am sorry for the team,' the Arsenal defender admitted. 'I just need to be much, much better to help the team.
'I can't be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. It was not enough.'
Mikel Arteta's side will return to domestic action with a home game against West Ham on Boxing Day as they look to fend off Manchester City from overthrowing them at the top of the Premier League table.
And with two weeks to go until the League resumes, the Gunners have headed out to Dubai, alongside Liverpool, AC Milan and Lyon to compete in the Dubai Super Cup.
When asked if he would fly out to meet up with the rest of his team, Tomiyasu said: 'I don't know.
![Arsenal are currently in Dubai preparing for their return of the Premier League on Boxing Day](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/17/65425905-11521801-image-a-13_1670606453933.jpg)
Arsenal are currently in Dubai preparing for their return of the Premier League on Boxing Day
![The Gunners thumped Lyon 3-0 at the tournament on Thursday a month since they last played](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/17/65425863-11521801-image-a-14_1670606456562.jpg)
The Gunners thumped Lyon 3-0 at the tournament on Thursday a month since they last played
![Tomiyasu has now flown to Dubai to link up with his Arsenal teammates ahead of League return](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/17/65427191-11521801-image-a-17_1670607113736.jpg)
Tomiyasu has now flown to Dubai to link up with his Arsenal teammates ahead of League return
'Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time.'
Since first entering the World Cup in 1998, it is the fourth time in history of the tournament that Japan have exited the tournament at the round of 16, with the Samurai Blue having never advanced into the quarter-finals of the competition.
Despite the defeat, Japan have cemented themselves as a forced to be reckoned with and will go into the 2026 World Cup very optimistic about their chances, having reached the last-16 in three of their last four outings at the tournament.
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