Former Celtic playmaker Nakamura retires aged 44 - Over 700 games in four decades

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What seemed inconceivable for a long time is now becoming reality: Shunsuke Nakamura retires from football. The 44-year-old midfielder will hang up his boots at the end of the season. This was officially announced by his club Yokohama FC on Tuesday. Last Sunday, Nakamura came on in the 73rd minute in a 3-2 defeat to Zweigen Kanazawa, which was probably his last appearance as a professional player. The 92-time Japan international featured for a total of only 45 minutes this season. During his career, Nakamura played 747 games in four different decades, scoring 131 goals and providing 113 assists, including 145 appearances for Celtic.

“I made the decision to retire after this season,” Nakamura said. “It’s been 40 years since I started kicking a ball in kindergarten. At first, I started playing football because I enjoyed it. Then football became my profession, and I was able to spend 26 years as a professional player. In my long career, I have experienced many struggles and setbacks, but there was always someone who supported me and pushed me forward.”

Stats

S. Nakamura Attacking Midfield

Career stats–
All competitions

Games

754

Goals

131

Assists

121

The playmaker, who made most of his appearances for Yokohama F. Marinos, spent over seven years in Europe, featuring for Celtic, Reggina and Espanyol, and thanked many people for their support over the years. “The teammates who have fought alongside me, the managers and coaches who have advised me, the doctors who have treated and cared for my injuries, the people who have been involved in the club, and the people who have always cheered me on,” Nakamura said. “Thank you to all the fans and supporters.” Yokohama FC have already reached promotion to the top-flight J1 League one matchday before the end of the season.