The author of Japan's famous football manga and anime series' Captain Tsubasa' announced he is retiring after 43 years as a manga artist.

Yoichi Takahashi confirmed on Thursday that he's retiring from professional manga drawing due to his old age and health problems, ending his career at the age of 63.

His retirement will bring two series - "Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun" and "Captain Tsubasa: Memories" to an end this April.

Takahashi has also commented on the future of the Captain Tsubasa series beyond its looming retirement, with some seemingly encouraging news for fans of his series.

He intends to draft a final "World Cup" arc, which can be used as a basis for other kinds of adaptations in the future.

The manga artist says the retirement decision wasn't made lightly, and he has faced several health issues over the years.

"I think I'm still in good health today. However, as I continue to make manga, an age-related decline in my physical condition has become inevitable. The speed I draw has slowed down considerably... [and] what's more, my eyesight has deteriorated. It is difficult to focus," Takahashi revealed.

He added that the manga industry's move to digital art has been very challenging for him and that 2024 is a good time for his retirement.

The Captain Tsubasa manga series is one of the longest ongoing, beginning in April 1981 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The series has sold over 90 million copies, making it one of the most prominent sports manga ever.

The manga series have also spawned several anime films, television anime series, and original video animations.

(Anime Explained and ComicBook.com)

'Captain Tsubasa' author announces retirement, series finale