The former Arsenal midfielder join Eintracht on a free transfer from Galatasaray and revealed: "I think I owe him dinner.

"I know that (coach Friedhelm) Funkel asked Takahara about me and he put in a good word."

When the offer finally came, Inamoto said he was only too willing make the switch.

"When the offer came, I didn't have to think twice. I know the Bundesliga will give my career a boost. I would have come to Frankfurt by foot," Inamoto told Sportbild.