Japan legend Nakata retires at 29

[On The Edge of Insanity]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/japan/5141906.stm

Japan legend Nakata retires at 29 
 
Nakata enjoyed an illustrious career in the Italian league
Japan midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 29.
Nakata, who spent last season on loan at Bolton, played his last game at the World Cup as Japan bowed out at the group stage after losing 4-1 to Brazil.

"I decided half a year ago that I would retire after the World Cup in Germany," Nakata told his official website.

"I will never again stand on the pitch as a professional player. But I won't stop playing the game."

Nakata joined Bolton in August and scored one goal in 21 league appearances.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce paid tribute to Nakata but said he was not shocked at the midfielder's decision to retire at such a young age.

 He will be remembered as the catalyst of Asian and Japanese football

Sam Allardyce

"The news isn't a surprise as far as I am concerned," he said. "Hide has had the time to think about his future and has decided the best outcome is to hang up his boots.

"He's had a glittering career and has achieved plenty in the domestic game.

"He will be remembered as the catalyst of Asian and Japanese football, and also the first Japanese export to European football.

"It was a privilege to work with him last season, and I'd like to wish him well.

"He will always be welcome as a guest at this football club in the future."

Nakata spent seven years in Italy's Serie A, where he played with Roma, Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina.

In 2005 he was honoured with one of Italy's highest awards - Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity - for helping to promote Italy's image overseas.

 
Pretty suprising to me, doesn't give any indication why he is retiring though, guess he must just want to return to Japan to do something?

[Rud]

weird...dude was overrated anyway, couldn't play in the premiership...

[7even]

Well what can you say, it's of course plain crazy to retire at the age of 29.

[On The Edge of Insanity]

weird...dude was overrated anyway, couldn't play in the premiership...

I don't think he was overrated, just out of shape when he first joined Bolton, and even when he got fit was never really was going to fit in with their style of play. There were a few games where he looked total quality though like the first half when you were battering us from all angles at the Lane. I think he would have been better at a more passing centric team.

[Rud]

true the game didnt suit him but a good footballer can adapt somewhat, fitness was always an issue - we all know why sam signed him though, it was a marketing decision...understandable

[KURUPTION-81]

weird...dude was overrated anyway, couldn't play in the premiership...

i thought he did well for bolton he scored one brilliant free kick im not sure who it was against though.

[Rud]

West Brom



or

[KURUPTION-81]

West Brom



or

yup thats the one, shame that he is quitting at only 29.

[Black_Smoke]

wish him the best of luck 

[Bomb-A®]

he looked completely out of sorts in the WC..he was panting 70 mins into the game with croatia...nowhere close to the required fitnerss level

all the best to him tho



peace