Keisuke Honda has arrived in Milan and already sparked a media frenzy. “It's a dream come true.”
The Japan international signed on as a free agent after his contract with CSKA Moscow expired in December.
Keisuke Honda has arrived in Milan and already sparked a media frenzy. “It's a dream come true.”
The Japan international signed on as a free agent after his contract with CSKA Moscow expired in December.
His flight from Narita touched down at Malpensa Airport this evening and he was greeted by hundreds of photographers and fans, while it’s reported the club shop has already sold over 1,000 of his Number 10 jerseys.
“I’m happy to be here and I’m very excited,” he told Milan Channel. “I’m ready to play, I slept well on the flight and I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates. I think I can give a lot, something more to the team.
“I’ve been waiting here for this for a long time. It’s a dream come true, AC Milan has always been a legendary club for me, I followed them as a child.”
Honda also revealed he discussed life in the city and in Serie A with Inter defender Yuto Nagatomo.
“I spoke to Nagatomo, who is a friend of mine. Football is my life and I hope to play well. I can play in any position and I want to score as well as create goals. I want to play in attack but it doesn’t matter where.”
Honda will be in the stands of San Siro for Monday’s Serie A game against Atalanta and hold his presentation Press conference on Wednesday. He’s expected to make his debut away to Sassuolo next weekend.
“Honda has been working with a fitness coach over the last 15 days. He’s not at 100 per cent yet, but he is in good shape and only lacks match fitness,” explained FIFA agent and go-between Ernesto Bronzetti on Milan Channel.
“He has great quality, character and is a free transfer, so he’s a real added bonus for the club.”