Clareto Monsorate, Dubai

Former Japan national footballer Masashi Oguro, who once played under Brazilian legend Zico at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, has decided to call it a day.

The 40-year-old announced his retirement at an online press conference on Friday.

The decision to hang up his boots came after his former club Gamba Osaka, whom he represented in the J1 League in 1999, made him an offer to coach the team.

“I have no regrets during my playing career,” Oguro said during the conference. But, Oguro’s only regret was “I should have scored more goals.”

However, life’s going to change for this loyal Japanese

servant who represented his country in 22 international matches and scored 5 goals.

The offer to become a coach was too tempting from Gamba Osaka to turn down.

“I wanted to succeed in the coaching business as that is another goal I want to pursue in my life.”

During his playing career, which spanned over 20 years, Oguro represented 12 clubs at home – Gamba Osaka, Tokyo Verdy, Yokohama FC, Tokyo FC – to name a few.

Oguro had the opportunity of wearing the colors of Grenoble in France and Torino in Italy.

This centre-forward from Toyonaka, Osaka, ended his playing career after scoring 209 goals in 545 appearances.

Oguro’s last appearance on the field was for Japanese side Tochigi SC in June.