Vissel Kobe on Sunday announced their decision to part ways with defender Takahiro Masukawa.

The 36-year-old scored one goal in 17 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League appearances this season, with an additional six outings in the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup.

“I’m incredibly happy to have been able to play for my hometown club,” Masukawa commented. “Your passionate support gave me strength.”

The veteran, who represented Vissel over the last two seasons, was part of Vissel’s climb to the Nabisco Cup semi-finals.

Despite reaching the final four aiming to make it to their first final, Nelsinho’s men bowed out 6-2 on aggregate to eventual winners Kashima Antlers.