Japan's 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 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 and European champions Greece in Group B.