Zico:
From the first time I saw Motoyama-senshu at practice, I thought he would become a player who would bring history to Antlers. Since then, various coaches have been involved with Motoyama-senshu, and he has probably given much inspiration. I hope he will show the same kind of success off the pitch in his second career as he did on the pitch. I hope he will now take on the role of finding "the next Masashi Motoyama" and continue to support Antlers. Congratulations. And good luck.
Koji Nakata:
It's still fun to play with Moto. I was watching Moto's dribbling from behind and playing, thinking, "He hasn't changed at all from before." As an academy scout from now on, I want him to scout many good players for Antlers. I myself am happy to be able to work with him again, and I want Moto to keep doing his best in his own way.
Toru Araiba:
It was really fun because it brought back the feeling of playing together in the old days. Former manager Oswaldo Oliveira also said in the ceremony's VTR (in the 2007 Urawa match) that Moto filled the void after my dismissal, and that's where our three consecutive championships began. I'm very grateful to Moto for that. I hope Moto will continue to do his best in his own way in his second career.
Hitoshi Sogahata:
Moto showed us his technique, just as he did when he was an active player. I myself enjoyed watching him from behind. Thank you for your hard work until now. I look forward to working with you again.
Masatada Ishii:
Moto and I were in the positions of player and coach, but he was a fun player to watch even from practice. Next, his job will be to bring in more players like Moto to Antlers, so I'm looking forward to that as well. I also hope that all the fans and supporters will continue to support Antlers.
Ryosuke Okuno:
I felt the unity of Kashima Stadium, and today was a very enjoyable and fulfilling day. Being able to stand on the pitch and play with these teammates is an invaluable asset. Thank you very much. Moto always said he wanted to do a job like scouting. So, I'm very happy that he's getting closer to his goal, and that he will continue to support Antlers in that role. I wish him even more success.
Yasuhito Honda:
It was fun and I was proud to stand on the pitch at Kashima Stadium. I played with the feeling that it would be nice if it could end happily, even while thinking about how to send Moto off. Moto's retirement is sad, but every active player eventually has to retire. From now on, I want him to discover and bring good players to Antlers. I'm sure he'll also be successful as an academy scout, so please do your best in your second career. Thank you for your truly long years of hard work.
Yoshiyuki Hasegawa:
It was fun to play with a true "football kid." Thank you very much for your hard work. Moto's second life is just beginning, so I hope he'll do his best in that too, and live his second life without any regrets.
Akira Narahashi:
It was only 45 minutes, but it was great to play with Moto again. I did my best! My second life is still continuing, and I think there will be many more opportunities to be involved in the future, so Moto, please continue to support me!
Atsushi Yanagisawa:
It's sad to see another truly beloved player retire. I hope he will continue to be involved with Antlers and discover new players from now on, so I'm very much looking forward to it.
Takuya Nozawa:
It was a great honor to participate in Motoyama-kun's last match, and it was a very fun and happy time. The voices of the fans and supporters moved me, and even though it was tough, it also pushed me forward. Today was a day where I could feel Motoyama-kun's personality, and I'm grateful to have been involved in it. Motoyama-kun, thank you for your hard work.
Daiki Iwamasa:
I was playing while reminiscing about my playing days. It was very enjoyable. Among all Japanese players throughout history, I don't know any player who is as fun to watch as Motoyama-san. So, I realize again how happy I was to play with such a player and win titles together. I would be happy to continue our long association with Motoyama-san.
Tsuyoshi Aoki:
I was truly happy to be able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere. I'm glad I could play on the same pitch in Moto-san's last match. Moto-san is, in a word, a "genius." Since he'll be involved with Antlers again, I hope to meet him somewhere again and have many conversations.
Atsuto Uchida:
I think so many people came because it was Moto-san. Not just fans and supporters, but active players also came. Not everyone can have a retirement match watched by so many people. I myself was very happy as watching Moto-san's ball touches brought back old memories. I hope Moto-san's active career ended without regrets. Thank you for your truly long years of hard work. I would also be happy if he continues to be a force for Antlers, so I will always support him.
Kwoun Sun-tae:
He is a player with the best abilities among both past and current players. His retirement match was also very enjoyable. Thank you for your hard work until now.
Shoma Doi:
I truly grew up watching Moto-san, so I was really sad after Moto-san left Antlers. Playing with him again at Moto Festival made me realize again what a great asset it was to have played together. Like other seniors, I am who I am today because I played with Moto-san. It was simply a truly happy time. Moto-san, thank you for your hard work. I'm happy that Moto-san will be working for Antlers again, and everyone in the hometown is delighted. I believe that Moto-san's unique personality and his values towards football will definitely be valuable in his role as an academy scout. I think we'll have many opportunities to meet at the clubhouse, so I look forward to working with you in the future.
Gaku Shibasaki:
Watching Moto-san play for 90 minutes reminded me of the time we played together. Moto-san is a senior I respect, both as a person and as a player, who does difficult things that I myself cannot do. As long as Moto-san stays healthy, I'm happy with just that.
Gen Shoji:
Moto-san is a special person. He was the first Japanese player to wear the number 10 for Antlers after the fixed number system was introduced, and I think the word "genius" suits him best. The time I spent playing with him was invaluable to me. Also, Moto-san was always the person who best understood his role, whether he was starting a match, coming on as a substitute, or off the field. So, I'm sure he will also understand his job as an academy scout best and demonstrate his genius. Moto-san, thank you very much for your hard work. Thank you for everything. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Naomichi Ueda:
When I joined Antlers, I remember thinking, "Is there really such a kind person?" I was truly treated so well. Moto-san, thank you for your hard work. Please do your best as an academy scout!
Ryotaro Araki:
Playing with Moto-san, I think I understand why everyone calls him a "genius." I truly believe he is someone to look up to. I'm happy to be involved with Antlers again and to be able to work closely with him, and I want to do my best by emulating Moto-san.