SINGAPORE - He has called it the “second-biggest surprise” in his career, with the first being his move to Thailand two years ago.

On Saturday (Feb 11) afternoon in Osaka, Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny will link up with Japanese third-tier (J3) club Gainare Tottori to get a taste of professional football in Japan.

He will play for Tottori in two friendlies on Sunday and Monday during the brief stint, before coming back next Wednesday afternoon.

It is an opportunity that Hassan, who signed for S.League giants Home United earlier this year after spending two seasons with Thai top-flight outfit Army United, could not turn down.

“I have a Japanese agent and he has been sending out videos of my games to Japanese clubs since last December,” he told TODAY over the phone from Osaka, where he landed earlier today.

“Three days ago, I received a text message from him… saying that Gainare Tottori wants to see me as soon as possible, to come and join training so they can see me in friendly matches.”

While it has come at short notice, Hassan’s excitement was palpable throughout the conversation.

“At 33, receiving an offer from a Japanese club to come and play in friendlies, it is something that is really unexpected at this age,” he said. “I was very surprised; it is my second-biggest surprise after (my transfer to) Thailand.

“My dream is to play in Japan, (even if it is) just to play in a friendly match (for now) and of course, to represent Singapore (the best I can).”

Hassan, who has 62 caps for Singapore, admitted there was a “bit of an issue” with Home when he told them of the Japan stint, but is “very thankful” that club chairman Winston Wong allowed him to leave.

The 2014 S.League Player of the Year is also aware that he is under contract with the Protectors and stated that he simply aims to widen his horizons.

“I just want to see the different standards,” Hassan explained. “What I learnt in Thailand was a bit different (from Singapore); culture-wise it was different, but it was (more or less the) same climate and weather.

“But this is just another different level in Japan. The facilities are a few times better than what we have in Singapore and what I had in Thailand.

“Even if it’s J3, I think it’s something that is still above our standards, so no harm trying.

“It’s more like a training stint and my intention is to join training and make a mark; I am not hoping for anything (more). If there is interest, they (Tottori) will have to go through the right procedures (to make an offer); I am in no position to say anything.”

It is understood Home regard Hassan’s move as nothing more than a training stint. In Hassan’s absence, the club will have to depend on reserve custodians Eko Pradana Putra, 23, who made his professional debut last season and chalked up six appearances, and new signing Rudy Khairullah, 22.

Hassan will join Tottori at a training camp tomorrow afternoon at J-Green Sakai, one of the country’s largest football facilities. On Sunday, he will play in a friendly there against South Korean top-flight side Incheon United.

Tottori are scheduled to return to their hometown on Monday to face local fourth-tier side Dezzolla Shimane, but Hassan added heavy snowfall there might result in a change of plans.

He will be taking some time to explore Osaka today, where it is four degrees Celsius and “really freezing”, but Hassan is already confident it will be an unforgettable experience.

“This will be something very new for me and I am going to remember this trip,” he asserted. “I am very excited to start tomorrow.”