Tokyo: 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.

According to Anadolu Agency, Inamoto expressed his gratitude, stating, “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.” Inamoto’s career began with a landmark debut in the J-League in 1997, when he became the youngest player at the time to compete in the league at just 17 years and six months old.

Notably, Inamoto was the first Japanese player to compete in the English Premier League, marking a significant
milestone in his career. His journey through European football included stints at Istanbul’s Galatasaray, Arsenal, Fulham, West Bromwich, Cardiff City, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Rennes. Over his international career, the 45-year-old scored five goals in 82 games for Japan, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.