Leicester City's Premier League hero Shinji Okazaki announces retirement

Former Japan international and Leicester City’s Premier League-winning forward, Shinji Okazaki, declared on Monday that he will be hanging up his boots at the conclusion of the current season. The 37-year-old, renowned for his relentless work ethic, played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s historic 2015-2016 season under Claudio Ranieri, securing the Premier League title against all odds.

During that unforgettable campaign, Okazaki made 36 Premier League appearances, contributing five crucial goals to Leicester’s triumphant journey. His highlight reel includes a spectacular overhead goal against Newcastle, a moment that propelled the Foxes five points clear at the top of the table with eight games remaining.

Okazaki, currently plying his trade at Belgian side Sint-Truiden, started his career in the J-League with Shimizu S-Pulse before making a mark in Germany with spells at Stuttgart and Mainz. His arrival at Leicester in 2015 marked the beginning of a chapter that would etch his name in the club’s history books.

Acknowledging his contributions, Claudio Ranieri praised Okazaki, stating, “He is our ‘dilly-ding, dilly-dong.’ He wakes up our players – he has the bell.” The hardworking forward’s impact was not limited to Leicester, as he went on to become Japan’s third-highest all-time scorer with an impressive tally of 50 goals in 119 international appearances.

Taking to Instagram to make the announcement, Okazaki revealed, “I have given everything as a football player, but I have realized that my body is worn out, and I am reaching my physical limit.” Despite struggling with injuries this season and being sidelined since December, Okazaki expressed his determination to contribute to his current team before officially concluding his illustrious career.

With three World Cup appearances and a crucial role in Japan’s 2011 Asian Cup triumph, Shinji Okazaki leaves behind a legacy that transcends borders and showcases his unwavering commitment to the beautiful game. As the football world bids farewell to a true sportsman, fans and colleagues alike celebrate the indelible mark Okazaki has left on the sport.