Marquee Melbourne Victory signing Keisuke Honda says the club’s ambition persuaded him to park plans of retiring from club football.
Japanese legend Honda retired from international football after the recent World Cup in Russia and also planned on calling time on his club career, after stints with Italian giants AC Milan and Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, among other clubs.
After speaking with Victory coach Kevin Muscat, the 32-year-old was immediately reinvigorated to the point where he will look to represent Japan at the 2020 Olympics on home soil.
SIGN UP FOR NBA TIPPING - Tip Friday to Sunday each week and set up a league with your mates! Win NBL Courtside seats every week and Boomers v USA tickets.
“I was supposed to quit my career after the World Cup, so obviously I announced to retire from the national team after the World Cup,” Honda said at today's A-League Season Launch.
“In that time I got an offer from Melbourne Victory, I spoke to the manager (Kevin Muscat) and the chairman (Anthony Di Pietro) and many people in the club.
“Their ambition made me change my mind. I restored my challenge - I decided to try and play in the Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo, and so I needed to train harder every day again.”
Honda will make his highly anticipated debut for the reigning champions in this weekend’s derby clash against rivals Melbourne City at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
More in A League
Bosnich fears for Macarthur’s future after bombshell betting scandal
"I don’t see how they survive this, they’re struggling anyway."
Football without fans is nothing: Simon Hill's message after disastrous A-League weekend
The veteran commentator has his say.