“Japan already had Kazuyoshi Miura, who sort of broke the mould in the ‘90s with his flair, fashion and nude photo books, but Nakata was the country's first ‘Mr. Worldwide’, in a way. He was unlike any player Japan had seen before and he was getting it done in Italy.”

It certainly sounds like the midfielder was riding the waves of his fame and success, but his sudden retirement proves that he wasn’t a man that could be categorised or simply placed in a box.

“About six months ago, I decided to end my ten-year career in professional football, making the World Cup in Germany my final event before retirement,” the player wrote on his personal website back in 2006.

“There was no one particular event that triggered this. And there is no single reason behind my decision. But what I can say now is that I felt that it was time for me to graduate from the journey of professional football, and set out on a new journey.

“I am someone who has always held my head up high, and I will continue to live like that, even after stepping away from professional football. The strength to do this comes from all of the support I have had over the years.

“And whatever the future holds, I know I will never lose that pride, because all of your voices will be with me, in my heart. A new journey is about to begin.”

At the time, Nakata was playing in the Premier League for Bolton Wanderers, and showed no desire to merely see out his contract as so many others in the game have done. “He told Bolton that he didn't need the money and they could cancel his contract,” Orlowitz continued. “Just like that.”