TOKYO (Ticker) -- Hideki Matsui has followed the lead of teammate Alex Rodriguez.

According to a report by the Kyodo News on Tuesday, Matsui has decided not to play for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Rodriguez also has declined to participate, citing that he did not want to offend either the United States or the Dominican Republic, teams that he qualified to play with.

Matsui, the Yankees left fielder, stated that he wants to focus on helping his club become world champions.

"I know that it would be ideal to play for both the club and country, and I understand that [Japan manager] Sadaharo Oh and the fans were hoping I would do that," Matsui said in a statement. "But the reason I decided to go to the United States was to try and become a world champion with the Yankees and I fear that chasing two goals might get in the way of that dream.

Matsui, who re-signed with the Yankees this offseason for four years and $52 million, has played in all 487 games since joining the club in 2003. The lefthanded hitter has batted .297 with 121 doubles, 70 homers and 330 RBI in three seasons.

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