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Shinji Okazaki has confirmed he is leaving Leicester City to seek a new challenge this summer.

The Japan international told national newspaper Nikkei that his time at City is at an end and he wants to move to another club where he will be utilised as a striker only.

Okazaki admitted that he has developed an identity at City as a link player between the midfield and attack, but he was never completely satisfied with the role, even after helping City win the Premier League title in 2016.

“My 30th birthday was in the midst of the challenge for the Premier League title,” said the 33-year-old, who is out of contract this summer.

“It was my first season at Leicester. What I chose to get out of the game was the job of linking the defence and the attack, and it resulted in the first title of my life.

“However, although there was some sense of accomplishment, the satisfaction was not as big as I thought.

“Even though I was a forward, I was actually playing like a midfielder. It was seen as my strength but I though that was dangerous.

“Strikers are only judged on the goals they score and eventually the number of goals distinguishes whether you are a superior striker or inferior, and based on the reality it was not enough.

“It was my new challenge to be a striker who could earn points while continuing my dedicated work now. However, the results were not enough to change the evaluation within the team.

“My role at Leicester is definitely not a striker. It feels like I am seen as the second row midfielder. I feel that I am not a midfielder when I see the high ability of a professional midfielder with their skill level..

“So I have decided to leave Leicester. It is because I thought strongly that I would like to challenge next season in a place where I can play as a striker.

“There have been few opportunities for playing this season.

“I will make my decision on my next destination based on ‘can I play as a striker? It will be more interesting to play in a place where that is possible.

“I am 33 now and that’s how I feel. It’s time to start from scratch.

“I am aware that I am at an age called a veteran, but I don’t feel it.

“Before showing leadership in a team, I would like to show my existence as a goalscorer.”

Okazaki has spoken previously of his desire to play in the next World Cup and is expected to move to either Italy or Spain where the pace of the game is less demanding to help his cause.