He became a national hero when he scored twice at the FIFA World Cup 2002 on home soil, including the winner against Russia in Japan's first-ever victory at the tournament.

He also played in Turkey, Germany and France before returning to his home country in 2010.

The final years of his career were spent playing for Nankatsu SC, the Japanese fifth-tier club owned by the creator of the popular cartoon Captain Tsubasa.

"Of course the environment at Arsenal and Nankatsu SC is completely different, but you have one ball and football as a sport doesn't change," Inamoto, who played at three FIFA World Cups and won 82 caps for Japan, told reporters.

Inamoto managed only a handful of cup games during his one season with Arsenal, amid doubts that he could adapt to the Premier League.

But his sensational performances at the FIFA World Cup 2002 earned him another chance with Fulham, after leading Japan to the knockout round for the first time.

"Those games were the launchpad for my name to be known around the world," said Inamoto. "I was already at Arsenal by then but those goals had a tremendous impact."