The Japanese has already been to Rotterdam South twice for a short internship period. At Feyenoord people are salivating at the agile Japanese. When it emerges that the left winger is ready for a move to Europe, the Rotterdammers also join the battle for the youngster's signature. However, Miyaichi does not leave for Feyenoord, but ends up in London. Arsenal is also charmed by the Asian, and sees him as a future star.

Adventure in Europe

Once he arrives in England, Miyaichi immediately sets off some controversy. Former Arsenal coach, the legendary Arsène Wenger, is also pleased with the youngster. “After his internship with us last summer, we were sure that Ryo has the qualities to become a great one. That is why we are very happy that he has chosen us,” said the French manager.

However, there is a problem. Miyaichi does not immediately receive a work permit, so it is decided to rent him to Feyenoord. A win-win situation for the Gunnersas this will enable him to complete the necessary flying hours in South Rotterdam.

In the Netherlands, the winger immediately receives his work permit. Two days later, the little Japanese player plays his first match. He was immediately declared Man of the Match. Pretty good, considering that Miyaichi is uncoachable.

The two-legged winger does not speak a word of English, and therefore cannot be instructed by his fellow players or by the technical staff. He does everything by feeling, and does it properly. His speed combined with dangerous actions and threat in front of goal ensure that the Legion quickly falls in love with him.

In the Netherlands they are curious who exactly Feyenoord's trendsetter is. That remains a mystery, as Arsenal have decided that the talent should focus purely on playing football. There is even a media silence around Miyaichi, which means that he is not allowed to give interviews, among other things.

During his six months in South Rotterdam, the Japanese showed what he has to offer. In that period he scored three goals and five assists and he is also one of the better players. Under the nickname Ryodinho he returns to Arsenal, where captain and teammate Robin van Persie is full of praise.

“He has everything to become the crowd favorite here,” says the striker shortly before Miyaichi makes his debut in red and white. He also receives the necessary attention internationally. In 2012 he played two international matches for the Japan national team. Expectations are high due to the excellent performance at Feyenoord, but then things get messy.

Rental periods and setbacks

Despite the fact that Miyaichi still played regularly for Arsenal in the first part of the 2011/12 season, he left on loan to Bolton Wanderers in the second half of the season. While his rental period at Feyenoord turned out great, his time at Bolton cannot exactly be described as a success. After not scoring a goal, he returns to London in the summer. This time the left winger is extra driven to make a difference at Arsenal, but that goes completely wrong.

Miyaichi was unable to make any progress at FC Twente.

Miyaichi will be loaned out to Wigan Athletic during the 2012/13 season. There the Japanese experienced the first of many setbacks in his career. That season he seriously injured his ankle twice. It results in him missing seven months and playing just four games for Wigan. The 2013/14 season should then be the year for the left winger at Arsenal. Unfortunately for him, that doesn't work out again. All kinds of injuries mean that Miyachi will miss ten months, and the preparation for the 2014/15 season will also pass him by.

He returns to the Netherlands in 2014. This time the winger, who is plagued by injuries, is rented out to FC Twente. Miraculously, he remains injury-free that season, but he no longer appears to be a shadow of the player who once won Feyenoord's hearts. So he doesn't make an impression in the Grolsch Veste. Ultimately, he made only ten appearances for the Tukkers.

Arsenal is also running out of patience. The Londoners decide not to extend the contract of the former top talent. The Japanese leaves for Germany on a free transfer, where FC St. Pauli wants to give him a chance. Unlucky Miyaichi continues to be plagued by annoying injuries. In Germany he manages to get quite a few minutes, but the numbers don't lie. In his six years at St. Pauli, he missed 972 days due to injuries. Miyaichi is done with Europe. His adventure here has come to an end.

Ryo Miyaichi is still loved by Yokohama F. Marinos fans.

Return to Japan

Ryodinho was labeled as the Japanese Messi in his younger years, but little or nothing of that is left today. After his unsuccessful years in England, Germany and the Netherlands, he will return to his beloved Japan in 2021 to play for Yokohama F. Marinos.

Here he is injury-free for the time being, but not an undisputed basic player. The former top talent is more often on the bench than he plays. Miyaichi is now 31, but the end of his career seems near. From once being the apple of the eye at De Kuip and a mega talent at Arsenal, to being a bencher in Japan. Injuries claim their fair share of victims, and they also ruin a potentially great career for Miyaichi.

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