Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder Koji Morisaki will retire at the end of the season, the club announced on Thursday.

The veteran has spent his entire career with the club since turning pro in 2000, recording 40 goals in 257 J1 League appearances as well as 24 goals in 77 J2 League appearances. 

“I can’t easily sum up my feelings, but first I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone whom I’ve come to know over the years,” Morisaki said. 

“I’m sad to retire, but done my best and I can step down without any regrets.I want to thank Sanfrecce Hiroshima for supporting me over 20 years. 

“It’s hard to decide what I want to say here so I hope I can properly express my feelings after our match against Avispa Fukuoka (on October 29).”