Nakata, 29, made the announcement on his Web site, saying he had decided to quit after the end of this year's World Cup about six months before the event started.

"I'm setting out on a new journey. I'll live my life remembering your support," he said. Nakata, a native of Yamanashi Prefecture, began his professional career in 1995, and moved to Italian soccer club Perugia shortly after making his World Cup debut in the 1998 tournament in France.

He had stints in Italian teams such as Roma, Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina before playing for English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers in the 2005-2006 season.

He is the only player to participate in all 10 matches Japan has played in the World Cup, including the four games at the 2002 finals co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

In Germany, Japan crashed out in the first round following defeats by Australia and Brazil and a draw with Croatia.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 8, 2006
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