'I will make the club win' declares Honda after signing for Victory

Japanese football icon Keisuke Honda has declared he will ‘make the club win’ after announcing his signing for Melbourne Victory on a marquee deal.

The 32-year-old, who has played 98 times and scored 37 goals for the Samurai Blue, including 10 games and four goals at FIFA World Cups, expressed his delight about joining the reigning Hyundai A-League champions.


The former AC Milan playmaker said: "I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I never thought, being Japanese, I would play in Australia in my career.

"When I knew they were interested in me, it was one week after the World Cup. I really wanted to do a new challenge."

"I will visit Melbourne on the 13th or 14th of August. I look forward to playing as soon as possible."


And when asked to deliver a message to Victory fans, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup winner Honda cut a confident figure.

“I'm so happy to join the club,” Honda added. “I think Melbourne Victory is the best club in Australia. I am honoured.

“I will make the club win, and help the team as much as I can. Let's make it happen."

More signings to come for Victory?

Victory head coach Kevin Muscat admitted how excited he was to integrate Honda into his attacking system for the 2018-19 Hyundai A-League title defence.

"At 32, he's still got so much to offer to football and that excites me," said Muscat.

"I'm excited about the way we adapt. One thing is for sure, it gives us a great deal of flexibility. We won't stop there. We are still to finalise another body in the final third." 

How the entire Hyundai A-League benefits

The Head of the Hyundai A-League, Greg O’Rourke, was delighted to see the deal get over the line and explained how the whole league will benefit from the signing.

"Some people have said in the past days like this would never happen. But it's just happened," said O’ Rourke.

"Honda's signing is not just good for Victory, but for the entire A-League. When he plays away, I am confident he can draw as many fans as he does at home."

MARQUEE SIGNING: Honda to light up Hyundai A-League as Victory land mega marquee
HOW IT UNFOLDED: Relive the announcement from our live ticker
FROM MOSCOW TO MILAN: Victory marquee Honda's road to stardom
ADP TO 'GOD' HIMSELF: History of Hyundai A-League's international marquees
WHEN AND WHERE: How and when to watch Honda play this season
#WELCOMEHONDA: How social media reacted to the Honda announcement

Relive the live ticker from the announcement of Honda's signing below

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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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