Ryo Miyaichi. (Getty/Kyodo)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has signed for Yokohama F Marinos, the J1 side said Monday, the speedster joining a J-League club for the first time in his career.

       The 28-year-old former Japan international spent the past six years at St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga but injuries to both knees curtailed his spell in Germany, allowing him just a single league appearance this past season.

       "It's a challenge for me," Miyaichi said in an online press conference, revealing that a secure medical environment in Japan was one of the reasons behind his decision to return home.

       "There were times I thought of retirement in these past 10 years. I feel more than anyone the joy of being able to play football, and the gratitude for continuing to be a professional.

       "I've been given a chance to play and I'll be giving all I have for the team," he said.

       The Aichi native joined Arsenal from Chukyodai Chukyo High School in January 2011 and had a successful half-season loan spell at Feyenoord to kick off his career.

       But Miyaichi made only one league appearance for the Gunners, spending further time on loan at Bolton and Wigan while fighting recurring injuries before leaving in a full transfer in 2014 for Twente, where he spent a season.

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