SYDNEY, Aug 6, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Japanese star Keisuke Honda Monday signed
for reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory with the former AC Milan
striker calling it the best club in Australia.
Honda, who retired from international football after Japan’s heartbreaking
World Cup exit in a last-gasp defeat to Belgium, put pen to paper for the
2018/19 season.
“It goes without saying that Keisuke has consistently proven himself at the
highest level and we can’t wait to see what he can do in Melbourne,” said
Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.
The talismanic 32-year-old, one of the highest profile names in Asian
football, had been a free agent since departing Mexican club Pachuca.
“I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I knew they were interested
in me one week after the World Cup,” he told Fox Sports.
“I really like a new challenge, that’s me.
“I checked a couple of things. Melbourne Victory is the most successful
club in the A-League. That’s amazing. They became champs many times,” he
added.
Honda shot to fame at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when his goals
helped Japan reach the last 16.
He netted 37 times in 98 appearances for his country and was the first
Japanese player to score at three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018).
Instantly recognisable with his spiky, bleach-blond hair, he spent four
seasons at AC Milan and has also played for VVV-Venlo in Holland and CSKA
Moscow.
“Today’s announcement that Keisuke Honda will be joining Melbourne Victory
is a significant boon for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season,” said
Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop.
“To have a player of his experience, calibre and marketability will also
boost the Hyundai A-League’s image and reputation within the Asian region and
around the world.”