Former major leaguer Kazuo Matsui said Thursday he feels "destined" to end his storied career with the Seibu Lions, where he started his professional baseball journey 25 years ago.
In a news conference at MetLife Dome to announce his retirement, the 42-year-old player-coach said he will contribute in any way possible to help the team win its first Japan Series championship in 10 years.
"I was born here (as a professional player), I grew up here and I'm retiring here. It feels like destiny," said Matsui, the oldest active position player in Nippon Professional Baseball and first Japanese infielder to be signed by a major league team.