Fond farewell for Troussier

Troussier was a hero in Japan after the World Cup

Philippe Troussier was given an emotional send-off as he returned to France at the end of his four-year spell as coach of Japan.

More than 500 fans gathered at Japan's Narita international airport to thank Troussier for leading their team into the last 16 of the World Cup last month.

The Frenchman was presented with a bouquet of red flowers and wellwishers dressed in the Japanese team kit chanted his name.

Troussier, who is one of four candidates vying to succeed Roger Lemerre as coach of France, has been replaced by former Brazil striker Zico.

Zico takes Japan job

His departure coincided with the start of Japan's new J-League season.

And the wave of enthusiasm generated by the World Cup continued as almost 58,000 fans watched Urawa Red Diamonds lose 3-2 to Jubilo Iwata in Saitama.

The attendance was more than the 55,256 who watched Japn draw 2-2 with Belgium in their opening World Cup game in Saitama.