The two-time Asian player of the year retired after Japan's disappointing World Cup last year which ended at the group stage.

And despite recent calls from Japan coach Ivica Osim for Nakata to return, the 30-year-old has no intention to play competitively again.

"First of all, I'm retired and I'm not playing for anyone. Even if I wish, I cannot play for the Japan national team," he said.

"For the moment I don't think I will go back. You never know in the future but I don't want anyone to get confused. I am stubborn and when I make up my mind I don't change."

During his career Nakata marked himself out as one of Asian football's finest exports to Europe, winning the Serie A title with Roma in 2001 before adding the Coppa Italia to his collection after joining Parma in a record-breaking transfer deal.

He joined Bolton on loan in July 2005 after several seasons struggling with the likes of Bologna and Fiorentina but ended up playing for just one season in the Premier League.

Nakata now spends his time travelling around the world - particularly in Asia - as well as featuring in friendly matches such as Sunday's FIFA World XI clash with China, held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with the Chinese mainland.

"Even if I had retired when I was 40 I would regret it and think I could play maybe longer, but you have to make a decision one day," he said of his surprise announcement last year.

"But I would say I have no regrets. I retired one year ago and I didn't think I could come back to the stadium, but I have come back and I am playing in front of 30,000 or 40,000 people and I'm happy about that.

"This is a different situation. Before I was playing as a professional, now I'm playing as an ex-professional and I'm having fun and that's a bit different and it's better for me. It suits me better."