Japan´s Inoha joins Vissel

Japan international defender Masahiko Inoha has joined Vissel Kobe after a difficult six-month spell with Croatian giants Hajduk Split.

The 26-year-old, who joined Hajduk from Kashima Antlers last European summer, made 15 appearances for the Croatian outfit but opted to leave the club due to several off-field issues including late payments.

“I have never had so much grief in my career as I have in the last two weeks,” Inoha said in a Vissel statement.

“As has been reported in the press, I wasn’t paid but that was not the only reason for me to leave. I made the decision after taking a look at the overall picture. I asked to be released from my contract for the sake of my career.”

“I went to Spain after that and wondered whether I should take an offer from a European club or play in the J. League and chose Kobe. I want to help turn Kobe into a winning team.”

Vissel finished the 2011 J-League season in ninth spot.