FC Tokyo announced the departure of defender Michele Canini following the conclusion of his contract on Tuesday.

The former Italy youth international arrived on loan from Atalanta in 2014 and made 10 league and two cup appearances under coach and compatriot Massimo Ficcadenti.

“I want to express my gratitude to our fans for your wonderful support,” Canini said in a statement.

“I pray for FC Tokyo’s continued success and hope that I will be able to meet everyone again one day.”

Canini returned to Italy on Wednesday, three days before third-placed Tokyo face Shimizu S-Pulse in the final round of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League’s first stage.