Reports in Japan suggest Manchester City are planning a shock move for Hidetoshi Nakata.
It is suggested City would seriously consider Nakata if the former Japan international decides to come out of retirement.
According to Sankei Sports, an unnamed City executive said the club would jump at the opportunity to sign the former Asian Player of the Year.
"We would welcome if Nakata wished to return to competition. We'd be prepared to make him an offer," the Japanese daily quoted the executive as saying.
The 31 year-old has kept himself in excellent physical condition despite leaving the sport shortly after the 2006 World Cup.
Nakata's agent Kentaro Tsubouchi admits his client is still undecided about a comeback, but believes the former Bolton midfielder would have no problems re-adjusting to top-level football.
"We are not sure how Nakata himself feels about a comeback," he said.
"But we know there are many people in the football business who say he can still do well out there."
Nakata is currently preparing to play for a team of former Japanese all-stars in a friendly match against a world selection, led by new Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho, in Yokohama next Sunday.
Sankei Sports reported that he had trained for four weeks in Bangkok prior to the game in an arrangement made via an associate of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
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Comment 1 - 11 of 11
yeah come back Nakata! one of the best asian footballers, only Ji-Sung & Nakamura is better than him
Nakata used to be one of the best players in Serie A for Roma he even was in the coca cola advert which had the worlds best players in, his passing is supreme with that sweet left foot and his workrate is excellent. Of course he did bad at bolton Sam Allardyce doesnt play attractive football, Quality always will be Quality.
let this thai guy spends till he goes BANKRUPT!!!
"nakata was a laughing stock at bolton so schity are welcome to him"
well he was at the right club then....
if that Thai guy that owns city is a billion air and is on record as saying "we will pay for the best for the best" why is he not trying to buy all the worlds best players at once? like erm ronaldo from united? why are they looking at players that are past there best all the time?
i bet the new manger hasn't had much input in to which players they are about to buy!
sounds to me all they are really worried about is how many names on the back of shirts they can sell in the far east!
Eish wat is man city thinking of? Are they really out of options? Nowander they are sucking good couches such as Ericksson. Shame on desperate city????????????????????
nakata was a laughing stock at bolton so schity are welcome to him
As long as we're bringing players out of retirement and buying all the top Brazliians, perhaps we should have a go at Zico, Romario, Zidane, Figo and Maradona. We could play three at the back and 8 strikers.
db
Order local takeaway food online at www.justeat.co.uk
is it me ur lookin 4?
hello
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