Hidetoshi Nakata Quotations

The biggest lesson I've learned by living abroad for the last four years is the importance of communication.

As a professional athlete, I believe that I need to explore my opportunities to the maximum, in order to excel and continue to play the best football I can.

I think that the World Cup is a big factor for this increased interest. I don't believe all of this is a result of just myself but also because of the others who are playing abroad.

I notice that teams are now more interested in Japanese players than when I first went to Europe.

Living in Europe, I was surprised to find out just how little everyone knows about Japan.

We had only snacks last time, I think it was OK for a day time menu. But this time it will be late night when people gather so we should add some proper meals.

I will never again stand on the pitch as a professional player. But I won't stop playing the game.

Have you ever heard players saying I prefer 4-4-2 or 3-5-2? The decision is always made by the coach, so the players can't decide. Of course the players have to play how the coach tells them to. If you can't play that way then go back home.

I think we are enjoying it - everybody: players, staff, the team together.

It's The Premiership and I have been wanting to play here for a couple of years,

I have no idea as to what's going on, but it seems that a Japanese reporter read something I had said to an Italian paper and misinterpreted my words.

I believe that I need to explore my opportunities to the maximum, in order to excel and continue to play the best football I can.