The 23-year-old, who spent a few days in Australia earlier this week during the mid-season J.League break, is currently six months into a two-year deal with Yokohama F. Marinos.

Degenek has been a regular at top-four contenders Yokohama since his move to Japan and started two of Australia’s three Confederations Cup games last month.

The Croatia-born, Sydney-raised defender previously spent time with VfB Stuttgart and 1860 Munich but left the latter for Japan after a contract issue with the financially troubled club in January.

Degenek has no regrets about the move, insisting he’s enjoyed Japanese football but remains determined to play in Europe again.

“My dream is always to play in the Champions League one day,” Degenek told FourFourTwo.

“I do want to go back to Europe eventually. I’m not comfortable going to one place and staying there.

“I want to move on to bigger things. Obviously if that doesn’t happen, I’m happy to stay in Japan. At the moment I’m young and I’m developing.

Degenek previously played in Germany's 2.Bundesliga with 1860 Munich

“I think I’m prepared and ready to play at a club in a top league in Germany, Italy, Spain, France or England where I can prove myself and play.

“That obviously is up to me, how I play here and in the national team and those people in those clubs who have interest in me.”

Degenek, who was also previously chased by the Serbian national team, said he’d not attracted any offers yet, but didn’t expect to do so at this stage.

He insisted playing in Japan offered him a strong opportunity to develop and master his craft, given he’s still only 23.

“The J.League in general is a good league,” Degenek said.

“I think it’s a good step for me, being a young player who’s willing to work and move on and develop, and hopefully get back to Europe soon. We’ll see what happens in the future.

“Here you’ve got a fair few quality players and the league is very well run. It’s competitive.

“It’s a good league. the crowds are good, the stadiums are good, the pitches are good, the clubs are run well and you’ve got access to everything you need.”

On the national team front, Degenek said he felt he performed well for Australia in Russia, linking up well with Mathew Leckie on the right side, but took responsibility for the goal conceded against Cameroon in the 1-1 draw.

“That was my mistake that goal,” Degenek said.

“I take responsibility for any goal we concede. I play at the back. That’s how I see it.”

Degenek started against Brazil & Saudi Arabia as well as two Confederations Cup games

Degenek, along with five others, lost his place in the starting XI for Australia’s final group game, the 1-1 draw with Chile where the Socceroos put in their strongest display.

Mark Milligan dropped into the back three alongside Trent Sainsbury and Ryan McGowan against Chile, leaving Degenek curiously placed in the pecking order ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

“I think it was more to do with the fact we played every two days, travelled in a plane, did recovery and were tired,” he said.

“I’m sure the other players were keen to play as well and showed they were capable against a strong Chile team.

“We needed players who were fresh and ready to play that game. It was the right decision by the coach to play them and they showed why.

“The game was well played on our side. We were unfortunate not to win and qualify for the semi-final.”