"Has he been running all this time?" No. 1 entry into Japan's EPL + Park Joo-young retired from active duty at the age of 45
Dec 04, 2024
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On the 4th, when the emergency martial law was lifted in Korea, Inamoto's team, Nankatsu SC, announced on its official SNS that Inamoto, a member of Nankatsu, will retire from active duty after the 2024 season. Thank you so much for your warm support" he announced.
Inamoto has decided to retire from the active role. Nankatsura is very proud to be at the end of his career at a great club."
On my personal Instagram, I wrote "It was a happy active life to continue playing soccer until I understood it myself. Thank you to the clubs, coaches, coaches, players, front desk, sponsors, and fans that have belonged so far. I feel like hugging one by one if possible. I will live my second life in the future. I want to enjoy myself and do it" he said.
Inamoto made his professional debut with Gamba Osaka in 1997 at the age of 18 and became the first Japanese player to advance to the English Premier League in the 2001-2002 season, surprising the Japanese soccer community.
Inamoto's entry into the EPL was four years earlier than Park Ji-sung's first Korean to leave PSV Eindhoven and enter Manchester United.
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Inamoto, who left for Fulham the following year and successfully settled in the EPL with six goals in 33 games (19 league games), showed off his presence in West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City from 2004 to 2006.
Inamoto, who has consistently played on the European stage, including Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt and Stadren, returned to the J-League in 2010 when he joined Kawasaki Frontale. He played four years for Kawasaki, three years for Consadore Sapporo from 2015 to 2018, and two years for Sagamihara from 2019 to 2021, and since 2022, he has played with Nankatsu, a member of the Kantosacker League, which is currently Japan's fifth division.
Inamoto, who is the same age as former South Korean goaltender Lee Dong-guk, scored goals against Belgium and Russia at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, contributing to co-host Japan's advance to the round of 16. From 2000 to 2010, he played 82 A matches for Japan and scored five goals.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
