Miyaichi wants Arsenal starring role
Reuters - Tuesday 15 May 2012, 11:01
Arsenal's teenage winger Ryo
Miyaichi has vowed to play a key role for the English Premier
League club in the future after his loan move to Bolton
Wanderers ended in relegation.
The 19-year-old, who returned to Japan on Tuesday for his
expected full international debut against Azerbaijan on May 23,
said he wanted to prove his worth to Arsene Wenger's side.
"I want to become their best player and be the sort of
player who can carry them in games," Miyaichi told reporters
after landing in Tokyo.
"I wanted to be on the pitch and help Bolton survive the
drop so it was really disappointing. Now I have to get ready for
the Olympics and World Cup qualifiers if I'm selected."
Miyaichi, who spent the season on loan to Bolton, where he
made his Premier League debut, is expected to play in the World
Cup qualifying warm-up against Azerbaijan in Shizuoka.
"It has been my dream to stand on the pitch representing
Japan since I was small," he said. "My biggest weapon is speed
and when I get the chance I'll show exactly what I have."
Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo, who also arrived on
Tuesday, stressed the importance of a convincing win against
Azerbaijan before three key 2014 qualifiers in June.
"This is crunch time for Japan," he said. "Beating
Azerbaijan will be crucial with final round World Cup qualifying
games right after. We have to win and win well."
Japan face Oman on June 3 and Jordan on June 8 in Saitama
before meeting fierce regional rivals Australia away four days
later.
The form of the Asian champions has dipped with two defeats
in their last three matches following an unbeaten run of 16
games since Italian Alberto Zaccheroni took charge.
The return from injury of CSKA midfielder Keisuke Honda,
whose goals helped Japan reach the last 16 of the 2010 World
Cup, should give Zaccheroni's side a timely lift.
Never the shrinking violet, Honda swept through arrivals
Hollywood-style in a beige suit and sunglasses, saying only: "I
want to show people I'm back!"