FC Tokyo on Tuesday announced the sale of defender Kosuke Ota to Holland’s SBV Vitesse Arnhem.

The 28-year-old spent four seasons at Tokyo, and was selected in the J.League Best Eleven for the 2014 season.

“It was a difficult decision to leave the city I love, but at my age this may be my last chance to challenge myself overseas,” Ota said. 

“I’m proud to have been a part of the “Tokyo Family”, and words cannot express my gratitude to all of you.”

Ota enjoyed an outstanding season of growth under Massimo Ficcadenti, with the capital side reaping the benefits of his runs forward as well as 15 assists in the league alone.