Football: Former Japan forward Seiichiro Maki to retire

Former Japan forward Seiichiro Maki has called time on his 16-year career, his J-League third-division club Roasso Kumamoto announced Tuesday.Maki, a Kumamoto native, began his professional career with J2 side JEF United Chiba in 2003. He had stints overseas in Russia and China before returning to Japan with Tokyo Verdy in 2011, and has been with his hometown club Roasso since 2014.Despite being in negotiations to renew his contract, the club said Maki's intention to retire was firm.""I feel blessed to be able to play my last match in Kumamoto where I was born and raised," Maki said. "From …READ FULL ARTICLE