Melbourne Victory’s marquee signing Keisuke Honda has opened up about what lured him to the Hyundai A-League.
Honda revealed he considered retiring from football following the 2018 FIFA World Cup, until conversations with Kevin Muscat helped him realise that he wanted to try a new challenge.
“I was thinking to quit my career after the World Cup, but luckily this club offered me the great offer that changed my mind, so I appreciate it,” Honda said.
“To be honest, I changed my mind after I spoke to Kevin, he said to me he really wants to succeed as a club for not only the fans, for the A-League.
“So he’s an ambitious person, I’m an ambitious person as well. I am inspired by him. I think that’s a big, big meeting for me.”
WATCH: Keisuke Honda is introduced as a Melbourne Victory player
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268484001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5822229770001
Asked about when Victory fans might be able to see Honda on the pitch for the first time, Muscat said that decision would be made after his new signing started training.
“We’ll start working immediately with Keisuke to find out where he is physically. The medical is concluded and there are no issues whatsoever, however there will be no risks taken.
“We’ll get straight into work and see where Keisuke is physically, and when he’s ready, he’ll make his debut.”
Honda said he was looking forward to getting into training and meeting his new teammates.
“I want to train hard with the team, I need time to adjust to the team.
“I still don’t know all the players also I need to understand more about this club’s style, how to play.
So I want to study more, day by day.”
