TOKYO, Oct 18, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Former Japan international and Celtic star
Shunsuke Nakamura will retire from football at the end of the season, his
club said on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on his 26-year career.

The 44-year-old midfielder was a Scottish champion three times and played at
two World Cups.

"In my long football career I have had many struggles and setbacks, but there
was always someone who supported me and pushed me forward," Nakamura said in
a statement released by Yokohama FC.

"I was able to fight as a football player because I had so much support," he
said.

Nakamura did not give any details on the decision to retire, but local sports
papers cited injuries to his right ankle.

Famed for his lethal set-piece deliveries with his left foot, he is still
fondly remembered in Glasgow for a stunning free-kick that helped Celtic beat
Manchester United in the Champions League in 2006.

After four years with Celtic he briefly joined Espanyol in 2009, before
moving back to his old J-League side Yokohama FC.

He is credited with helping pave the way for Japanese players in Europe and
Celtic currently have four Japanese players.