The 22-year-old on Monday signed a two-year contract with the J.League club, which is partly owned by the City Football Group.

Degenek’s German 2.Bundesliga club 1860 Munich were keen to sell him off in January, after falling out of favour with six months remaining on his deal.

The Croatia-born defender/midfielder’s decision to turn his back on European football was one he found difficult and sought counsel.

The five-time Socceroo was earlier in January linked with a move to China which fell through before the Japanese opportunity popped up, when the City Football Group got in touch with his representatives.

The move happened fast with Degenek landing in Japan in the early hours of Sunday morning, before completing his medical and contract formalities on Monday.

Still he had enough time to speak to Postecoglou, with his national team prospects front of mind.

“I spoke to the boss about his thoughts. It came out positive,” Degenek told FourFourTwo.

“I spoke to a lot of the Socceroos staff and players. Everyone was positive about it. I took on the challenge and I think it’s the right move.

“Obviously I want to come here and play every game which will help my national team status.

“That’s my main thing, to try and help the national team and be involved in the Confederations Cup.

“Once you’re part of the national team, you don’t want to lose it.”

Degenek added he was glad his potential Chinese switch fell through following the rule change which allowed only three foreign players on the field at one time per side.

“It died out pretty quickly because of the rule change,” Degenek said.

“To be honest, I’m actually quite happy it didn’t happen. The two countries are a world apart and the two leagues are a world apart.

“Obviously in one country you’ve got a lot more money than the other. It’s about the football and I’m still young so I can develop here.

“It just happens so fast you don’t have time to think. When it happens towards the end of the transfer window you just want to get things done as soon as possible and go somewhere where you’re going to play.”

Degenek also said the City Football Group’s link gave him hope of returning to Europe in the not-too-distant future.

“I was contacted on behalf of Manchester City and it all happened like that through my agent,” Degenek said.

“They said ‘if you’re willing to go there, play a full season or two and see what happens, there’s always a good chance to come back because you’re on the radar of City and a lot of other clubs’.

“The J.League is obviously one of the best leagues in Asia. There’s a fair few Japanese players all over the world in top leagues, so it’s obviously a league that’s watched.”

Degenek on Tuesday morning flew out for Miyazaki for a pre-season training camp ahead of the opening J.League fixture against Urawa Red Diamonds on 25 February.