Shunsuke Nakamura, a former member of Japan's national football team, J2 and Yokohama FC, announced his retirement from football at the end of this season. Did.
Nakamura is 44 years old from Kanagawa prefecture.
A midfielder whose greatest characteristic is his accurate kicks with his left foot, he played an active role in the J League, winning the J League Most Valuable Player Award and MVP in 2000 and 2013.
From 2002 until his return to the J.League in 2010, he moved overseas, playing in leagues such as Italy and Scotland.
He currently plays for J2's Yokohama FC, but in recent years his opportunities to play have decreased significantly due to injuries, and so far this season he has only played in five J2 league matches. .
Nakamura has also been active as a member of the Japanese national team, participating in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and has scored 24 goals in 98 matches.
Yokohama FC announced on the 18th that Nakamura will retire at the end of this season.
The team is scheduled to face the final league match of the season in Kumamoto on the 23rd of this month, and it is said that Nakamura's press conference will be coordinated in the future.
Nakamura said, “During my long football career, I have faced many hardships and setbacks, but there was always someone who supported me and pushed me forward. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you, the manager and coaches who took care of me, the doctors and trainers who treated and cared for my injuries, the people who were involved in the club, and the fans and supporters who always gave me their passionate support. ” commented.
After that, he said, "I was able to continue fighting as a soccer player until now because I had a lot of support. Thank you very much for your support and cooperation for 26 years."