When the Kawasaki Brave Thunders announced they had parted ways with longtime star Naoto Tsuji, the news sent shock waves through their fanbase.

Tsuji appeared to be a little taken aback himself.

“Selfishly, I thought I would be ending my career with this club, but my contract has expired and I’m leaving the Kawasaki Brave Thunders,” Tsuji said in a statement.