"I decided half a year ago that I'd retire from the world of professional soccer after the World Cup in Germany," the most famous Japanese star of all-time said in a statement on his official website.

"I will never go out onto the pitch again as a professional football player, but I will never give up on football."

Nakata kicked-off his career with Billmare Hiratsuka in his homeland before winning the Asian Player of the Year award twice in 1997 and 1998.

He later went on to be one of the very few Japanese players abroad playing for Italian side Perugia and his stunning performances earned him a move to Roma where he won the Italian League in 2001.

The 29-year-old Nakata played for Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina before going on loan at English club Bolton in 2005.

Nakata earned 77 caps, scoring 11 goals for his country and leading Japan in three World Cup finals.