Melbourne Victory star Keisuke Honda has made quite the impact in the Hyundai A-League.
The Japanese import has well and truly lived up to the billing of a marquee player, scoring five goals and pulling the strings in midfield for the free-scoring Victory.
He is also loving life in Melbourne, voted the world’s most liveable city for seven of the last eight years by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
"Thank you for coming to the @ALeague!"
Watch as @kskgroup2017 reacts to messages of support from Japanese fans living in Australia ❤️️
He probably didn't expect one to reveal himself as a @SydneyFC supporter 🙈
本田選手はファンからメッセージをもらいました。 pic.twitter.com/bYhZdv4yXe
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) December 27, 2018
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The city provides Honda with all the sights, scenery and culture he could want and also has a distinct Japanese flavour, something the 32-year-old has enjoyed.
Speaking after watching a series of videos from Japanese fans who wished him good luck in the Hyundai A-League, Honda said: “I’m surprised.
“I didn’t know such a [significant proportion of] Japanese local people are staying here.
“I was surprised when I came here and I finished the first training in Melbourne and there were a lot of Japanese fans.
“Then I realised, yeah, of course, Melbourne is the one of the beautiful cities in the world.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974019568001
One of the fans who sent Honda a message took off a Japan shirt to reveal a Sydney FC top and while that supporter thanked the midfielder for his contribution to the Japanese national team, said he should expect some attention in Sydney.
“When you come over, I will pay respect to you as a member of the opponent but I hope you are ready to get booed from us! I’ll see you in the Big Blue,” he said.
Honda had the last laugh in November, scoring the decisive penalty in a 2-1 win at Sydney FC.
And speaking ahead of Victory’s next assignment, a home clash against Wellington Phoenix on Friday, Honda urged Melbourne’s Japanese community to get to the game.
“Many Japanese people are here – I’m excited and I hope they come to watch the game,” he said.
Watch Honda and his teammates take on Wellington Phoenix on Friday December 28 at AAMI Park. Get your ticket here.