Milner gives Mitoma captain's armband in Tokyo

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Experienced midfielder gave our Japan international a special moment in Tokyo.

2024-07-28T16:00+01:00

Kaoru Mitoma leads the team out against Tokyo Verdy.

James Milner gave the captain’s armband to Kaoru Mitoma for the final match of our pre-season tour of Japan on Sunday.

Albion defeated Tokyo Verdy 4-2, with Mitoma leading the team out onto the pitch at the National Stadium.

“We love him to pieces,” Milner said of his Japanese teammate. “It's been a special week for him.

“He's been amazing on the field, but off the field as well. There’s been a lot of demand on him, to come home and all the appearances he has to do. Everyone loves him as we do, but it's been a tough week for him.

James Milner has played in both our matches in Japan.

“So I thought it'd be nice for him to lead out the boys in Tokyo and hopefully he enjoyed it.”

Albion made it back-to-back victories in Tokyo with their win against Verdy, having beaten Kashima Antlers 5-1 on Wednesday.

“We've had a tough week's training,” Milner continued. “The game was difficult, they are a very good team.

"But I feel the week's been very good. We've trained hard. The conditions have been tough, but we were getting fitness from that. And we've been tested in both games, so that's good.”