Makoto Hasebe, who captained Japan for three consecutive World Cups and achieved near-legendary status in Germany, is at peace with his decision to retire after a career spanning more than two decades.
Although it hasn’t sunk in yet for a player who was competing in one of Europe’s top leagues at the age of 40 and brought the curtain down on a remarkable career when he came on as a substitute at the end of the draw for Eintracht Frankfurt. Sunday against Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany.
“My mind is trying to understand that I am retired,” Hasebe said during his retirement press conference with Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche at a Tokyo hotel on Friday. “But my body wants to kick the ball now. I feel like my body doesn’t understand.”
