New Rennes signing Junichi Inamoto is hoping his spell in France can help him earn a spot in Japan's World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old, who has had spells in England with Arsenal, Fulham and West Brom, made 19 appearances for Frankfurt last season before making the switch to France on a free transfer.

He has also spent a season in Turkey with Galatasaray, and believes his travels across the continent will help him settle better as he embarks on a crucial season for his international prospects.

"It is true that until now I have not stayed more than two years at a club, but it allowed me to gain great experience," he told the Rennes website, www.staderennais.com.

"I want to use this experience at the Stade Rennais but my first objective is to to serve the team and hopefully get them into Europe."

He added: "The fact that I`ll be playing in Rennes in a high-level league is a great opportunity. Now I hope that I will be selected (for the Japan squad)."

The midfielder will join up once more with Frederic Antonetti, who coached Inamoto during a spell with J.League side Gamba Osaka in the late 1990s.

"I knew the coach and Rennes is a good club, it's very motivating. I am also very interested in the French Ligue 1 so this opportunity appealed to me," he continued.

"Anytime he (Antonetti) got angry in Japan he did so in French. It`s been 10 years since I heard that voice and it`s great to hear it again."