Soccer-Gamba's Doan joins Dutch side Groningen on loan

Gamba Osaka attacking midfielder Ritsu Doan has secured a move to Dutch club FC Groningen on a season-long loan deal, the J-League side on Friday.

The 19-year-old Japanese helped his country win the under-19 Asian championship title for the first time last year and was named the tournament's best player.

"My hard work over the year will be important. I am going to make a killer effort," Doan told a news conference.

"Their enthusiasm was the main factor. It really came across that they want to play me. I feel bad (for Gamba) about the timing of the move and I am grateful they have given me their backing."

Doan, who represented Japan at the under-20 World Cup in South Korea earlier this month, will join the Eredivisie side when the transfer window opens on July 1.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)