Nikki Havenaar revealed he was heartbroken to be leaving Nagoya Grampus, after the club announced the defender’s transfer to Austria’s SV Horn.

The 20-year-old, who is the younger brother of former Japan international Mike Havenaar, was a product of the Grampus youth academy and, standing at 1.97 meters, the tallest player in the club’s history.

“It’s difficult and heartbreaking to leave the club I’ve played for since the U15 level,” Havenaar said. “I hope that I can improve my abilities overseas and repay Grampus for all they’ve done for me.”

SV Horn, a third division side owned by the management company of Samurai Blue star Keisuke Honda, recently also welcomed FC Tokyo goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda on a one-year loan.