Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, one of the most famous Asia players, has announced his retirement from professional football today at the age of 29. He is the one who introduce me to Japan soccer team in 2002. I guess part of it is because of his "look" :P Come on, who can resist this cool charm
This is a picture taken from Tokyo International Airport as he leaves to Germany in May 2006. Who would ever guess that he is a professional football player?
Seriously, I don't know anything about how he plays outside of the WC. Digging through his profile on Wiki and FIFA sites, it seems like HE IS ONE OF THE BEST PLAYER IN ASIA. It sure is a great lost for Japan and Asia football. Too bad that we won't be able to see him wearing the blue samurai jersey anymore, but we can always review it through youtube :D (it's a digital world after all)
Thinking back at the WC, Japan didn't perform as well as in 2002; but they always has been Asian #1 football team. With players aging in their 30's, will they have a chance in another 4 years? I don't want to see Asian football teams falling out in the future WC.
Farewell to the Man of the Match on 6/18.
picture source: http://fifaworldcup.com
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