Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, one of the most famous Asian players of his generation, has announced his retirement from professional football, his website has said.

Japan midfielder Koji Nakata waves at the end of the opening round Group F World Cup football match Japan vs. Brazil in Dortmund, Germany. Nakata, one of the most famous Asian players of his generation, has announced his retirement from professional football, his website has said.[AFP]

"I will never go out onto the pitch again as a professional football player, but I will never give up football," said the 29-year-old Nakata Monday, whose third World Cup ended in a 4-1 defeat to defending champions Brazil.

The two-time Asian Footballer of the Year was seen lying disconsolate on the pitch with a towel over his face after Japan's crashed out of the World Cup despite taking a 1-0 lead early on in their final Group F match.

Nakata has struggled for playing time with the English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers since he moved there on loan from Fiorentina last year after seven years in Italy's Serie-A.