___   >>>  click here to see ono arrive  

The Blue Samurai star’s arrival in Sydney was greeted by a handful of Wanderers fans and around a dozen media.

But the new Wanderers acquisition has already pencilled in the big Sydney derby in three weeks time as excitement builds ahead of the new A-League season.

“I know already that Del Piero is here and it’s exciting to play him in round three, yes?" said Ono moments after entering the arrivals hall. “I will study him soon.

“I want to give everything, my energy to the team. It’s very exciting to play here. I want to show the people what I can do.”

However Ono, dubbed “genius” in Japan for his silky skills as a playmaker, conceded he knows little about the A-League.

“I’m not sure about the A-League but maybe I start [learning about it] now,” he said.

Before the Sydney derby, Wanderers play their inaugural A-League match on Saturday against Central Coast.

The Japanese great said he feels ready for this challenge too.

“I think so,” he said when quizzed. “But I need to speak with my boss.”

Ono recalled playing against his new boss, coach Tony Popovic, when the Japanese star was a raw 18-year-old.

Ono last played in Australia in 2007. It was a memorable game as his club Urawa Red Diamonds fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Sydney FC in the Asian Champions League group stages.

The J-League powerhouse went on to win the ACL that year under coach Holger Osieck but the game in Sydney was also remembered for the 1100 strong travelling fans who lit up the SFS that night.

Ono added that there were some who didn't want him to leave Japan but he was nevertheless excited by his new career move.

“They just said they were sad. They hope I will have a nice season. Yes surprised but a football player can go anywhere.”

Wanderers fan Craig McKew turned up to welcome the club’s new addition and said he preferred Ono to previously linked marquee target Michael Ballack.

“One was five years older than the other [Ono]. One demanded a lot more money than the other. One was injury prone,” said McKew, who had his flannel shirt signed by Ono.

"I prefer this gentleman who’s just come off this Qantas flight."

“Shinji gives us profile and gives us a vehicle to promote our club in Asia. It brings an element to our squad that wasn’t there before.”

   ___   >>>  click here to see ono arrive