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.

https://twitter.com/DugoutAsia/status/1026290031118315521

https://twitter.com/AFPTokyo/status/1026279720072007680

 

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.

 

 

https://twitter.com/MomentsAU/status/1026274885117472769