Seigo Narazaki has brought an end to his 12-year international career after the goalkeeper announced his retirement from the national team following Japan's 2-1 friendly win over Guatemala last night in Osaka.
Narazaki, 34, informed Japanese FA technical director Hiromi Hara, who has served as caretaker coach in the last two friendlies with new boss Alberto Zaccheroni currently unable to take up his role, of his decision to step down.
"I asked Mr Hara to exclude me from the squad list. He expressed his understanding with respect," said Nagoya keeper Narazaki.
"I have been thinking about this since the end of the World Cup. Everybody tells me that I should carry on but I have made up my mind. Pixy [Nagoya manager Dragan Stojkovic] understood my decision."
The Nara Prefecture native earned his 77th cap in last night's victory and brings the curtain down on a career that included appearances at four World Cups - 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 - after making his debut in February 1998 against Australia.
However, Narazaki did not play in the recent finals in South Africa, where Japan reached the last 16.
"The period of my service was long but the number of matches I played was smaller. I remember many of them," he added.
"I have experienced many things with the national team, including four World Cups, since I was 20 years old. I am happy about that. I would like to pay that back from now on."
"I asked Mr Hara to exclude me from the squad list. He expressed his understanding with respect," said Nagoya keeper Narazaki.
"I have been thinking about this since the end of the World Cup. Everybody tells me that I should carry on but I have made up my mind. Pixy [Nagoya manager Dragan Stojkovic] understood my decision."
The Nara Prefecture native earned his 77th cap in last night's victory and brings the curtain down on a career that included appearances at four World Cups - 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 - after making his debut in February 1998 against Australia.
However, Narazaki did not play in the recent finals in South Africa, where Japan reached the last 16.
"The period of my service was long but the number of matches I played was smaller. I remember many of them," he added.
"I have experienced many things with the national team, including four World Cups, since I was 20 years old. I am happy about that. I would like to pay that back from now on."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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