Former Japan worldwide and Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura will retire from soccer on the finish of the season, his membership stated on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on his 26-year profession.
The 44-year-old midfielder was a Scottish champion 3 times and performed at two World Cups.
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“In my lengthy soccer profession I’ve had many struggles and setbacks, however there was at all times somebody who supported me and pushed me ahead,” Nakamura stated in a press release launched by Yokohama FC.
“I used to be in a position to battle as a soccer participant as a result of I had a lot assist,” he stated.
Nakamura didn’t give any particulars on the choice to retire, however native sports activities papers cited accidents to his proper ankle.
Famed for his deadly set-piece deliveries together with his left foot, he’s nonetheless fondly remembered in Glasgow for a surprising free-kick that helped Celtic beat Manchester United within the Champions League in 2006.
After 4 years with Celtic he briefly joined Espanyol in 2009, earlier than transferring again to his previous J-League aspect Yokohama F. Marinos.
Nakamura is credited with serving to pave the best way for Japanese gamers in Europe and Celtic presently have 4 Japanese gamers.
He performed for Japan 98 instances, scoring 24 targets.
“It has been 40 years since I began kicking a soccer in kindergarten,” stated Nakamura.
“At first I began soccer only for enjoyable. But it surely grew to become my job and I used to be in a position to spent 26 years as knowledgeable participant.”
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