The former Japan midfielder had a poor season for Urawa Reds but has had a bright start to the season with Cerezo Osaka

Kunimitsu Sekiguchi agonised over the decision to leave Urawa Reds for newly-relegated Cerezo Osaka, but after a bright start to the season he is sure he did the right thing.

The former Japan midfielder was restricted to just seven appearances for the title-chasing Reds last term, and he has welcomed the chance to pull the strings for unbeaten Cerezo as they adjust well to life in J2.

An opening-day point at Tokyo Verdy was followed by a home win against Omiya Ardija and Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate at Fagiano Okayama, leaving Cerezo just two points off the leaders.

But Sekiguchi, 29, is candid about his initial reservations. “If I were given a choice between J1 and J2 – honestly speaking – I would have wanted to play in J1,” he said. “Until I made my mind up, I was at war with myself.

“However, Cerezo have a lot of young players and those players will all have invigorating experiences going into the future, which means that this team will develop quickly and will be ready to compete for the championship in J1.

“My wish was to help assist a team of that kind. Cerezo is the right place for me to play again, to shine and show others my worth as a footballer.”

It was during his time with Sendai that Sekiguchi made his mark as a high-energy, attacking midfielder who can make things happen for those around him.

A Kirin Cup winner in 2011, Sekiguchi attracted the attentions of Reds and during two seasons at Saitama he finished with runners-up medals in the J-League Cup and J1 itself.

However, injury and loss of form meant it was far from his happiest spell in the game. Now, he feels, he has turned a corner. “Personally speaking, my condition isn’t that bad and I’m producing results, with my assists and so forth, during matches,” he said.

“The team members, to some degree, have already settled, although things may change as we play our upcoming games, which means we need to continue to be patient.”

With Diego Forlan and Cacau staying, and competition for places lively under new manager Paulo Autuori, Sekiguchi knows he has to stay on his toes.

“I accept that they have a few good things going for them,” he said of Cerezo prized attacking pair. “However, I’m going to continue to be confident about myself, as I know that they have nothing over me. Whenever I’m called to the pitch, I know that I’ll perform better than they can.”

Confident talk, which is welcome at a club so lacking in that commodity last season.