I say fair play to him for trying out such a move, where it’s bound to be a culture shock. The Japanese love their European sporting icons too, and one strong season there would be financially very lucrative for him.
I’d echo what many in here have said. These guys have been footballers for as long as they can remember and their entire existence has been geared towards being a footballer and playing football. Retirement must be a daunting prospect to go from the intensity of the professional game to potentially nothing. It’s why you see so many ill-suited personalities linger around the game post-playing career, for long after their usefulness has expired.
I wish Nando good luck, one of my first sporting heroes and as bitter as his departure was, now that I don’t look at it through a 15 year old’s red-tinted eyes anymore, I can understand it. Even if he doesn’t light up the league, which I doubt he will, hopefully he has a rich experience there. It’s a fascinating country and unique culture.
