Gamba Osaka on Tuesday announced the half-year loan of veteran midfielder Takahiro Futagawa to Tokyo Verdy.

The 36-year-old has nearly 600 total appearances for Gamba since joining the club in 1999 but has played just once this year in an AFC Champions League fixture.

“Thank you for 17 and a half years,” Futagawa said in a statement. 

“I’m sorry to leave in the middle of the season, but I’ve decided to challenge myself because I still have a strong desire to play.”

The Osaka native has been present for all of Gamba’s titles, including two J1 championships, two J.League Cups, four Emperor’s Cups and the 2008 AFC Champions League.