"Passion'' is the story of Japan soccer team coach Philippe Troussier, his struggle to make it as a player and manager and his travels around France, Africa and Japan. In the book, Troussier also details his philosophy and thinking as he prepares for the World Cup in June.

In this, the seventh of 10 exclusive extracts, Troussier relates the impact of Hidetoshi Nakata's decision to return to his Italian club on the eve of the Confederations Cup final.

*    *    *

The day before the final of the Confederations Cup, Hidetoshi Nakata left the national team and returned to Rome. This episode epitomized the reality of Japanese soccer.