Japan left-back Yuto Nagatomo knows he will have to step up to prove his worth to European champions Inter Milan.

The 24-year old has signed a six-month loan deal with the Nerazzurri from Serie A rivals Cesena and is well aware that he will have to continue his rapid improvement if he is to mix it for a spot in Internazionale's starting line-up.

"I'm very happy to have joined Inter, the world champions," Nagatomo told Inter's official website.

"Now I have to prove to everyone that I can play.

"What's happened today came out of the blue, but now that I'm here I have to give it everything I've got."

And Nagatomo was looking forward to becoming a part of a squad filled with so many talented players.

"I already know some of my new team-mates. I met Samuel Eto'o when I played against him with Japan in the World Cup and the same goes for Wesley Sneijder," he added.

"But I expect I'll soon make friends with the whole team."