Junichi's staying power

Junichi Inamoto refuses to accept that he may be saying sayonara to the majority of Fulham fans on Sunday.

His loan deal is about to expire and their final home game against Arsenal at Loftus Road could be his last proper chance to say goodbye.

A permanent move has not been ruled out but Chris Coleman says the Japanese club who hold Inamoto's registration, Gamba Osaka, want too much money and a deal is doubtful.

If the midfielder has to go home after two years at Fulham and one at Arsenal on temporary contracts, it would signal the end of an interesting chapter in Premiership history.

Inamoto is Japan's most successful footballing export to the league and the last left after Kazuyuki Toda's loan at Tottenham last year ended in disappointment.

Memories of the country's impressive performance as joint hosts of the World Cup finals two years ago and talk of an influx of Japanese players have faded.

But Inamoto is optimistic. He said: "I cannot even consider going back to Japan at the moment.

"I want to stay at Fulham because I am happy here, I like London, have made good friends and there is a good manager.

"It is out of my hands what happens and I don't know where I will be playing next season, but I feel comfortable in the Premiership.

"I have developed my game since I came to England and become stronger.

"I've tried to make sure I've stayed in good condition even when I wasn't playing and have changed my style to become more aggressive because the Premiership is very tough.

"I think I am recognised as a player at this level and that is why I have been here for three years, even if it has been on loan."

Inamoto has had a reasonable season at Fulham with 14 starts and two goals in the league.

He has played more often each year he has been in England after starting as a full-time reserve at Arsenal.

Manager Coleman reckons that the midfielder, who put in a good performance at Portsmouth last weekend, has toughened up and adapted to the pace of the game here.

Inamoto's skill has never been questioned but his strength and stamina have and he has shown gradual improvements in both areas.

Whether it will be enough to convince Fulham or another Premiership club to take the plunge and buy him remains to be seen.

"Ideally, I would get a permanent move because I think there is more to come from me," said Inamoto.

"But I am pretty relaxed about the situation because this is my third season on loan and each year I have not known where I was going at the end.

"I just have to concentrate on Fulham's last two games and try to impress because you don't know who is watching. If I play I won't be thinking about saying goodbye to anyone."

Farewells, or possibly the saying good riddance, will still be high on the agenda against Arsenal, though, as Fulham fans celebrate their last game at Loftus Road.

The club return to a refurbished Craven Cottage for next season after two years away and have reported strong demand for season tickets.

Fans have long campaigned for a return and Fulham are hopeful their support will finally grow with the team at their historic home, even if the stay is supposed to be temporary until a new stadium can be built.

A victory against the unbeaten Premiership Champions would be a fantastic way to sign off at Loftus Road and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's performance in a rare goalless draw at Highbury last November must give them hope.

"It would almost be like winning something to become the first to beat them this season," said Inamoto.

Coleman's side will have to do so without defender Zat Knight on Sunday through suspension, but do not expect to have any new injuries.

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