Ex-Portsmouth keeper Yoshi to hang up his gloves

Former Pompey keeper Yoshi Kawaguchi has announced he will retire at the season's end.
Former Pompey keeper Yoshi Kawaguchi is to retireFormer Pompey keeper Yoshi Kawaguchi is to retire
Former Pompey keeper Yoshi Kawaguchi is to retire

Now aged 43, the Blues' one-time record signing is to finish his playing career with J-League club Sagamihara.

Kawaguchi appeared for Japan 116 times and was included in four-successive World Cup finals squads, starting from France 1998.

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In a statement released by his club, he said: '˜I've decided to retire at the end of this season. All I have is a sense of appreciation.'

Kawaguchi endured an unsuccessful time at Fratton Park after signing for £1.8m in September 2001.

He failed to impress following a much-publicised arrival, making only 13 appearances over two seasons.

Yoshi, as he was largely known by Pompey supporters, made his final appearance in the last match of the 2002-03 Division One title-winning campaign.

As a gesture, Harry Redknapp introduced the keeper off the bench at half time in the 5-0 success at Bradford City.

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