Yokohama FC have announced the retirement of former midfielder Tomoya Uchida, who will join the club’s front office as a communications manager.

The 34-year-old joined Yokohama in 2002, playing six seasons there before transferring to Omiya Ardija in 2008. 

After three years and an additional season at Ventforet Kofu, he returned to Yokohama FC in 2012, where he played through last season. 

“My playing career has come to an end after 16 years. I want to thank all of the fans whose support enabled me to play for far longer than I would have been able to otherwise,” Uchida commented. 

“From now on, I’ll be contributing to Yokohama FC in a different way, and I look forward to meeting everyone at the stadium in my new role.”

His announcement comes after he lasta represented Southern District FC in this year’s Hong Kong Premier League.