Spiranovic, 24, was unveiled by his new club late this week after confirming a move to Doha from Urawa Reds early last month.

“It isn’t just about money that a player comes here. Sometimes, you really need to play with a relaxed mind," Spiranovic said according to Doha Stadium Plus.

The Aussie defender struggled for opportunities at Urawa under new boss Mihailo Petrovic this season, making only one appearance in the cup where he was sent off. The situation had raised doubts on his immediate Socceroos future given his lack of gametime.

He added: “It wasn’t an easy decision to shift to a new base. But Arabi’s history and their big support base helped me take the decision.

"Qatar is a new country to me. Playing here means I’ll get an opportunity to understand the people and their culture too."

The Geelong-born defender, who spent two-and-a-half years at Urawa, also admitted he had fond memories of his time in Japan.

“I didn’t just experience football in Japan. I experienced what it’s like to be cheered on by fans with an extremely deep knowledge of the culture,” he said.

“I had a great time playing for Urawa and will never forget my experience there. I also want to thank my former team-mates for their support."