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 here on, I'd like to do what I can to help the soccer world grow."

Maki was active in the reconstruction effort in Kumamoto following a pair of powerful earthquakes in the region in 2016, delivering relief supplies to evacuation centers while he was forced to live in his car as a result of the disaster.

The 38-year-old attracted headlines in 2006 for being Japan head coach Zico's surprise pick for that year's World Cup in Germany. He scored eight goals over 38 senior international matches for the Samurai Blue.

The Japanese striker plans to hold a press conference in Kumamoto on Wednesday.