The Japanese winger, 30, has been at the club since 2023 after watching the Sky Blues’ agonising play-off final defeat against Luton at Wembley.

Sakamoto has racked up over 100 appearances across the past three seasons and functioned as one of their key players as they navigated their way back to the top-flight for the first time in 25 years.

The Tokyo-born ace has featured in four of the club’s eight matches so far and is eager to make his mark in the ‘best league in the world’.

“As a player, I always want to play,” he said.

“I need to play and get minutes in the Premier League – I have confidence in what I can do and will show in this league.

“I’m just waiting for the moment – I need to work hard in training and will keep continuing to do that.

“I did a lot in the Championship, but I still haven’t achieved anything in the Premier League.

“I need to show that to the supporters.

“We have waited for this moment for three years, so it’s great we have finally achieved that.

“I don’t watch football a lot, but I know the Premier League is the best league in the world, so I’m so proud to play in it.

“This team and supporters are amazing.”

Sakamoto was an unused substitute in four of the Sky Blues’ first five games but has featured in the last three against Newcastle, Tottenham and Fulham.

The former KV Oostende star started in the most recent defeats against Spurs and the Cottagers, with Coventry currently sat in the relegation zone but only a single point from safety.

Frank Lampard’s side host bottom of the table Sunderland in a crunch-looking clash at the Coventry Building Society Arena this weekend.

And Sakamoto hopes life under legend Lampard can help them maintain their proud Premier League status.

“I always wanted to play in the Premier League,” added Sakamoto, speaking at a Coventry Building Society initiative where players were taken back to a ‘time vault’ from 2001, the last time the club were in the top-flight.

“This was my goal and what I wanted to achieve.

“I knew Frank growing up, even though I didn’t watch a lot of football – he was a legend so I’m proud to play under him.

“I didn’t know anything about Coventry when I came here – I remember they lost against Luton in the play-off final.

“It was an amazing game and I was so excited to play for the club – it’s such a nice club and I’ve been really enjoying it.”