Japan's [Images] Teruyuki Moniwa promised on Monday to seize what he described as his "last chance" to play for his country at the Confederations Cup.
The FC Tokyo defender left for Germany [Images] as a replacement for Yuji Nakazawa for the June 15-29 tournament after being left out in the cold for breaking a team curfew early last year.
Moniwa was one of seven players who left Japan's training camp in February 2004 to pay a late-night visit to a hostess bar.
Japan coach Zico was furious and had overlooked the player since but a knee injury to Nakazawa has given Moniwa the chance to salvage his international career.
"It's been a big regret that I've not been able to wear the Japan shirt," he said. "It feels like this is my last chance so I have to make sure I take it."
Japan take on Mexico in their opening match at the Confederations Cup on Thursday. The Asian champions are also drawn alongside World Cup holders Brazil [Images] and European champions Greece in Group B.
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