Ryuji Bando intends to help turn Omiya Ardija into worthy MEIJI YASUDA J1 League title contenders, declaring his ambitions after the club renewed his contract.

The 36-year-old scored five goals in 22 appearances for the NACK5 Stadium residents, contributing to their MEIJI YASUDA J2 League win and subsequent promotion to the top flight.

But the veteran’s target for his side is not simply to secure survival, but to push them all the way to silverware.

“I’m incredibly happy to be able to play for Ardija again in 2016,” Bando said. “This will be an important year in our quest to turn Ardija into a club that can win the J1. 

“It won’t be simple and there will be a lot of struggles, but I hope we can unite and continue to aim upwards.”

Hiroki Shibuya led Ardija back to the first division at the first time of asking, pipping Jubilo Iwata to the second-tier crown after they were relegated in 2014.