Tokushima Vortis on Tuesday announced the retirement of Jun Aoyama, with the midfielder citing his struggle for motivation as his reason for giving up football at the age of 27.

The former prospect, who represented Japan at the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup a year after his professional club debut, was able to make just six appearances this season.

“I haven’t been able to play in the way I would like, and I’ve sensed a difference in motivation levels compared to when I began my career,” Aoyama commented.

“I’ve struggled with these feelings every day in training and in the end I wasn’t able to overcome them.

“I don’t believe that I can progress any further as a professional, and so I’ve decided to bring a close to my career.”

Vortis will hold a ceremony for Aoyama on August 8 when they host Mito Hollyhock in the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League’s 28th round.

The Miyagi-native played for Nagoya Grampus, Cerezo Osaka and Urawa Reds before moving to Vortis, where he spent the majority of his career.