Shunsuke Nakamura has announced his retirement from international football following Japan's exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The Samurai Blue reached the last 16 for the first time outside their own country but were denied a place in the quarter-finals as they lost 5-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a goalless draw after 120 minutes.

Nakamura had to be content with a place on the bench in South Africa and the 32-year-old former Celtic midfielder has decided to call time on a Japan career that has spanned a decade.

''Yes, that's right,'' he said, when asked to confirm media reports that his international career was over.

Nakamura, who plays for Yokohama F Marinos, made his Japan debut in an Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore in February 2000 and went on to earn 98 caps, scoring 24 goals.