World reacts to Keisuke Honda signing

The news of Keisuke Honda's signing with Melbourne Victory hasn't just sparked massive reaction in the Hyundai A-League and his home country Japan - it's gone right around the globe.

The Japanese legend confirmation of a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League champions on Monday, with Eurosport labelled the move a ‘coup’ for Victory, while ESPNFC called the capture “arguably the biggest name Victory has signed in the club's 13-year history.”

MARQUEE SIGNING: Honda to light up Hyundai A-League as Victory land mega marquee
HOW IT UNFOLDED: Relive the announcement from our live ticker
READ MORE: How will Melbourne Victory accommodate their new Japanese superstar?
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

It was a similar story back in Japan, where Honda's move was deemed an excellent gain for both player and club.

Ben Maxwell, host of J-Talk Podcast, said that Honda will arrive at Melbourne highly committed to performing his best in a bid to go to the 2020 Olympics.

“The best part for both Victory and the A-League is that clearly this is not some retirement tour,” Maxwell told Fox Sports.

“Honda’s stated aim of going to the 2020 Olympics as an over-age player means he’ll be motivated each and every time he pulls on the shirt.”

Maxwell’s thoughts were echoed by Football Channel chief editor Michio Ueda.

“The A-League is one of the stronger leagues in Asia and it’s a great motivator for him as he tries to compete in 2020,” Ueda said.

“It would have been exciting for the J. League if he’d returned to Japan, but in a sense it would have marked the last phase before his retirement.

“If Honda wants to be involved with the [Olympic] team it’s good that he’s staying overseas.”

Here's how other outlets and players reported the news of Honda's signing.

 

Former Caltex Socceroos defender and Western Sydney Wanderers skipper Robbie Cornthwaite believes Honda's acquisition makes Victory clear favourites for the Hyundai A-League title in 2018/19. 

Here's how other players and Australian media reacted to the announcement.