The 32-year-old spent the first 12 years of his career with Gamba Osaka - helping the Kansai club to their first J.League title in 2005 - before making a move to Salzburg Red Bull in December 2006.

Despite suffering from injuries during his two years in Europe, Miyamoto believes he is returning to Japan a better player.

And although he still feels a strong attachment to his former J.League club, he insists that playing regularly is all that matters.

"I played for Red Bull Salzburg, so I don't think it is strange (not to be playing for Gamba)," he told the Japan Times.

"Of course Gamba is my club in my heart and it's not easy to talk about it, but as a player I want to play.

"Vissel have many positives and the ability to be in a higher position. We have big ambitions, and the J.League is a very competitive league so we have the chance.

"I got a lot of experience in Europe and that is something I can keep and pass on to my new team-mates. They are not too young, but they don't have enough experience. That's my job - to teach them."

However, Miyamoto was not so confident that the return to his homeland would herald a return to the national team set-up.

Despite captaining his country at two World Cups and winning 71 caps, Miyamoto has not featured for Japan since a 0-0 draw with Croatia at the 2006 finals in Germany.

"At first I have to think about my club," he said. "That is the only thing I can say now."

Vissel begin their J.League campaign with a trip to Kyoto on Sunday.