Tochigi FC on Wednesday announced the retirement of midfielder Hayato Sasaki, who will join Vegalta Sendai’s school coaching staff.

The 34-year-old made his professional debut in 2005 with Montedio Yamagata, also playing for Gamba Osaka - where he won the AFC Champions League in 2008 - as well as Vegalta and Kyoto Sanga before joining Tochigi in 2016.

The Miyagi native ends his career with 143 J1 League, 139 J2 League, and 19 J3 League appearances.

“I would like to thank Montedio Yamagata for launching my career, as well as everyone at Gamba, Vegalta and Tochigi,” he said.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”