TOKYO: Japan`s veteran midfielder Yasuhito Endo on Tuesday announced his retirement after26years ofhiscareer and joined Gamba Osaka as a coach.

`I had a really long and fulfilling 26 years of football life` between 1998 and 2023, Endo said in a video message posted on the club`s website. `I never thought I`d play this long,` the 43-year-old added.

Endo was in Japan`s World Cup squad for three times and was named Asian player of the year in 2009.

He won 152 Japan caps, a record.

Having spent nearly two decades at Gamba Osaka as a footballer, Endo said he`s `very happy` to be back as a coach.

`As a coach, I am still learning... but I want to grow with the players and contribute to the team`s victories,` he said.

Kozo Tashima, president of the Japan Football Association, said Endo posses the ability `to make decisions calmly` and `high level of (football) skills.

`I hope he will use his experience and achievements for the development of Japanese football.`-AFP