‘I need time’ - Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu makes Mikel Arteta plea after World Cup heartbreak

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu admits he needs “time to forget about football” following Japan’s penalty heartbreak against Croatia at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old described his own performance as a “disaster” as Japan squandered a lead to draw 1-1 and then lose on spot-kicks.

Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties in the shootout as Japan fell at the last-16 stage.

Tomiyasu could not hide how upset he was at Al Janoub Stadium and hinted he needs a break from football before returning to Arsenal.

“Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time,” Tomiyasu said.

“Of course we are so disappointed with the result. My performance was a disaster today so I am sorry for the team.

“I just need to be much better to help the team. It was not enough and also for the team we did not deserve to win. We were so close to achieving our aim.

“They were better than us. I can’t be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. This is football and yeah, we need to be much, much better to win against a stronger team.”

Arsenal are currently in Dubai for warm-weather training camp and return to Premier League action against West Ham on Boxing Day.