Japanese cartoon hero Captain Tsubasa inspired Lionel Messi and countless other football stars worldwide. Now its creator is laying down his pen and aiming for the top with his own real-life team. Yoichi Takahashi began writing the comic strip about 11-year-old football prodigy Tsubasa Ozora in 1981 and saw it grow into a global smash hit spawning animated films, video games and even statues in his hometown in eastern Tokyo. But Takahashi is now preparing to wrap up the comic series and focus on a different passion -- attempting to lead his local non-league side into Japan's professional J-League in his role as owner. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES