Makoto Hasebe, who captained Japan at three straight World Cups and achieved almost legendary status in Germany, is at peace with his decision to retire after a career spanning over 20 years.
Although, it has not yet sunk in for a player who was competing in one of Europe¡¯s top leagues as a 40-year-old and brought down the curtain on a remarkable career when he came on as a substitute near the end of Eintracht Frankfurt¡¯s draw against Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany, on Sunday.
¡°My mind is trying to understand that I¡¯m retired,¡± Hasebe said during his retirement news conference alongside 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 does not understand.¡±
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