Former Japan defender Akira Kaji will transfer to Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA, his J. League first-division club Gamba Osaka announced on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Kaji, who appeared in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, will speak at a news conference on Thursday.

A native of Hyogo Prefecture, Kaji joined Cerezo Osaka in 1998 after finishing high school. He played for Oita Trinita and FC Tokyo before joining Gamba in 2006, where he has spent nine seasons.

Kaji, who specializes as a fullback on the right side, has appeared in 300 matches in the J. League top flight and scored three goals. He played in two World Cup matches in Germany and has 64 caps with two goals in top international play.