Feyenoord midfielder Ono on his way home

Feyenoord's Japan midfielder Shinji Ono, seen here in 2005, is returning home after signing a three-year deal with J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds

Feyenoord's Japan midfielder Shinji Ono is returning home after signing a three-year deal with J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds.

Last month the Dutch club announced they had struck a deal with Urawa, a move that at the time angered Ono who claimed he'd been kept in the dark about the transfer.

And on Friday he had mixed feelings about the move back to the club he played for between 1997 and 2001 when reacting to the news on Feyenoord's official website.

"It is very nice to return to Urawa Reds, the club I grew up at. But on the other hand I think it is a great pity that I will not be able to play for Feyenoord again.

"I would have liked to end my time in Rotterdam with a prize rather than with a period full of injuries. That has not been possible, but at the end of the day I will have some great memories. I am grateful to the club and the supporters for a wonderful time."

Feyenoord director Chris Woerts remarked: "We have great admiration for what Shinji has meant to Feyenoord and also for his attitude recently in a season in which he has had to deal with a lot of physical setbacks.

"We are happy for him that he can return to his old club and we wish him every success. Shinji knows that he will always be welcome at De Kuip."

Ono has been plagued by a series of injuries in recent years, most recently a stress fracture in his foot last June and a toe injury in October.

He missed much of the 2004/05 season with an ankle injury for which he has undergone surgery twice.

Reputed for his smooth passing, he joined Feyenoord in 2001 and helped them lift the UEFA Cup in his first season. He has played 112 times for the Dutch club, scoring 19 times.

Ono played for the Reds between 1997 and 2001, briefly appearing in Japan's World Cup finals debut in 1998.

He also played a key role for Japan in the 2002 World Cup when they reached the last 16. He has also recently been in talks with English Premiership side Bolton.