The three-time FIFA World Cup veteran, who played a key role in Japan’s 2011 AFC Asian Cup title win in Qatar, announced on social media that he was leaving the Rio de Janeiro-based club after an 11-month stint.
“As you know, I am leaving Botafogo,” Honda wrote on Twitter. “At first, I accepted all your criticism that I could not bring results. Criticism is natural and I am not giving excuses. I have also been disappointed and I am sorry.
“I am very grateful for everything you have done, it was a great experience and I never saw and felt anything this big with the fans at the airport and the stadium when I arrived. I made this decision for personal and professional reasons.”
Honda received a rapturous welcome from Botafogo fans when he arrived in Brazil in February but the 34-year-old, who retired from international football following the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scored just three times in 27 games as Botafogo fought against relegation.
The former AC Milan and CSKA Moscow midfielder has been linked with a return to Europe while he also continues to work as general manager with the Cambodia national team.
Photo: AFP
