Japan and Yokohama F. Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa, who played for Japan in all three matches at the World Cup in Germany, indicated Wednesday that he may end his international career.
Referring to a report by Sports Nippon newspaper that he has decided to retire from international soccer, Nakazawa said he has "actually thought about the thing" that was reported in a front-page article by the sports daily. "I think I'll have some time to speak about it after a while," added Nakazawa, the 2004 J. League player of the year.
The Sports Nippon said Nakazawa has already notified his club and Japan Football Association technical director Kozo Tashima of his intention to quit the national team. Capped 53 timed for Japan, Nakazawa told people close to him earlier this year that he would probably make the only World Cup appearance of his career in the tournament in Germany, citing his lingering fitness problems.