On July 5th, Koji Nakata will make his final appearance in front of his supporters. He played for Antlers from his joining in 1998 until 2014. Although there was a period when he transferred overseas, he remained with Antlers in Japan. We asked Nakata, who is currently active as Antlers' C.R.O (Club Relations Officer), about his thoughts on his retirement match.
—Excluding his overseas transfer, he was solely dedicated to Antlers. What does Antlers mean to Mr. Nakata?
Nakata: It's like my "home." Even when I transferred to an overseas team and came back, it felt like returning home. I still work for Antlers now, and I have the same feeling. It's just so comfortable.
—What is your most memorable experience during your time at Antlers?
Nakata: It's definitely being involved in winning championships. What stands out to me most is when we won three consecutive titles in 2009. That joy was different from anything before. How should I put it... rather than celebrating wildly with everyone, I think "relief" is a more accurate word. I became quite sentimental (laughs).
—Who are the most memorable people you've met in your football career?
Nakata: I suppose it's my encounters with Troussier (former Japan national team coach) and Zico. Troussier was involved in my participation in the World Youth Championship and the Japan-Korea World Cup, as well as my move overseas. Troussier was always there at my turning points. As for Zico, of course, there was the 2006 World Cup in Germany where we fought together, but even before that, he was a figure who elevated Japanese football at Antlers. Being taught by Zico was something special, wasn't it? It was a huge deal for me.
—What plays do you want people to pay attention to on the day of your retirement match?
Nakata: Well, I can't really put on a show like I used to. Maybe it's whether I can move for the full 90 minutes (laughs).
—During your active career, you scored many goals with headers and free kicks, didn't you? Many people must be looking forward to that.
Nakata: Goals are always a focus in retirement matches, aren't they? But I don't like that atmosphere of "let's let him score because it's his retirement match" (laughs). In that sense, I'd like people to watch every single play. It's not the culmination of everything I've done, but it will be the last time I play in front of everyone. I might participate in retirement matches or other events in the future, but this is a milestone match for me. I'd be happy if people could feel something from everything I've built up over the years in every single play.
—Finally, please tell us what you expect from Antlers for the 2nd stage.
Nakata: I want them to unite as a team and win the championship. Antlers is a team that must win titles. We haven't won a title for the past few years, and we had a disappointing performance in the 1st stage, so we've made the supporters endure a lot. I hope they can deliver results that dispel that endurance and turn it into great joy.
