Japan defender Masahiko Inoha has joined Vissel Kobe after an acrimonious parting with Croatian club Hajduk Split, the J. League first division club said Thursday.
The 26-year-old Inoha, who signed a two-year deal and joined Hajduk from Kashima Antlers last July, said he asked in January for his contract to be terminated after not being paid in full.
"I have never had so much grief in my career as I have in the last two weeks," said Inoha, who made 15 league appearances for Hajduk.
"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."