Hiroshima Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who had been considering retirement, has decided to stay with the club and return to the mound next season, general manager Kiyoaki Suzuki revealed on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old Kuroda, who returned to Japan after a seven-year career in the major leagues, said last week that he had yet to decide about his career, as it would be a challenge to find the motivation to continue playing at the same level.

Kuroda went 11-8 with an ERA of 2.55 in 26 games this past season, stepping into the starter's role and pitching on four days' rest toward the end of the season.

During the season, he was placed on the disabled list twice — once for a shoulder strain and once for an ankle injury.

Kuroda finished his major league career 79-79 with a 3.45 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-2011) and New York Yankees (2012-2014).