Keisuke Honda has admitted that it was always his dream to play for Milan as he was presented to the media this afternoon.
The Japan international has joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer from CCSKA Moscow, and the playmaker has claimed that he can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.
Keisuke Honda has admitted that it was always his dream to play for Milan as he was presented to the media this afternoon.
The Japan international has joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer from CCSKA Moscow, and the playmaker has claimed that he can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.
“It’s been an exciting time and I’m really happy to be here,” he told reporters.
“I always said that I would play in Serie A and wear the number 10 shirt. So I was desperate to come here and play.
“I’m delighted about the interest in me and I want to thank Galliani and the club for this transfer. I now want to show on the pitch what can I do. I was destined to come here.
“I wanted to come here, wanted to be a champion here with the club.
“I knew all the players as a child – I watched the matches on tv every week. Serie A is the most famous League in Japan.
“I understand there are high expectations and I’ve got to show what I’m capable of. I want to score many goals, assists – I’ll do my best.
“As I mentioned, I need to score goals, get assista and there are many things I need to do and can do. I don’t think the side are doing that bad, I saw the match on Monday – the boys are great.
“I ahve said in many interviews, for me football is my life. I’m not so interested in the city in which I play, I only want to train hard, rest well and win.
“That is what matters to me in my life . I know the club will help me a lot straight from the start.
“I can play in any position but if I could choose, I would like to play behind the striker, as an attacking midfielder.
“My heart said Milan. That’s all I can say.
“I’ve never met a samurai so I don’t know much about [the samurai spirit]. I think the Japanese never give up, they have a strong mentality, very disciplined.
“It’s not difficult for me, I was a CSKA Moscow player – I wanted to come earlier but continued to play well, focused on my fitness, I believed that in January I would have the chance to come.
“[Japan Coach Alberto] Zaccheroni advised me to come here – Milan are a top side in Serie A.”