By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) - Former Japan and Galatasaray midfielder Junichi Inamoto has decided to hang up his cleats, bowing out of professional football on Wednesday at age 45.
"I have decided to retire from my active career at the end of this season! I've done everything I can!! That's how I honestly feel right now," Inamoto said on Instagram.
"I've had the happiest active career, being able to continue playing soccer until I was satisfied with it! I've been able to get this far thanks to the clubs I've been a part of, the managers, coaches, players, front office staff, sponsors, and the supporters who always pushed me! I owe it all to everyone I've been involved with," he added.
The Gamba Osaka youth alum made history in 1997 when he debuted professionally in the J-League at just 17 years and six months old, making him the youngest player at the time to compete in the league.
Known for being the first Japanese player to compete in the English Premier League, Inamoto made history during his illustrious career.
His remarkable career took him to several European clubs, including Istanbul’s Galatasaray, Arsenal, Fulham, West Bromwich, Cardiff City, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Rennes.
The 45-year-old scored five goals in 82 games for Japan.