Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Melbourne: Japanese star Keisuke Honda has revealed he considered retiring from football after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia before the chance to play with Melbourne Victory “changed” his mind.
Victory’s new marquee man was unveiled at a packed press conference in Melbourne on Wednesday and declared he was excited about getting down to work with the A-League champions.
The 32-year-old, who has played 98 times and scored 37 goals for the Samurai Blue, also spoke about how he’s looking forward to settling in Australia and also touched on his role as general manager cum coach of the Cambodian national team.
Honda stressed that his focus is on Melbourne Victory and his role with Cambodia would not affect his bid to help steer the club to greater heights.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Samuel Eto'o said the encouragement of Xavi Hernandez and Wesley Sneijder convinced him to play in Qatar, the Cameroon star said as he was unveiled by his new club.
After a whirlwind transfer - Eto'o was playing in Turkey a week ago - the beaming 37-year-old striker was presented by Qatar Sports Club, his 13th side, at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday.
The four-time African player of the year said he had spoken to his ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan colleagues before committing to the one-year contract, and they convinced him to play in Qatar.
"Xavi and Sneijder are best friends," said Eto'o.
"Before I came to Qatar I spoke to them and they told me to seize the experience and that it is good to play here."
Xavi has played in Qatar with Al Sadd since 2015 while Sneijder plays for Al Gharafa.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Japan star Keisuke Honda has been appointed as the general manager and coach of the Cambodia national team.
Football Federation of Cambodia President General Sao Sokha, in announcing Honda's signing on Sunday, said the Melbourne Victory player will help chart the national team's fortunes in the 2018 AFF Cup.
Honda's appointment comes just days after he signed with reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory for the 2018-19 season.
Media reports stated that Honda will continue his playing career in the A-League but will assist Cambodia’s coaching staff through weekly video calls.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Japanese star Keisuke Honda has signed for reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory with the former AC Milan striker calling it the best club in Australia.
Honda, who retired from international football after Japan's heartbreaking 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia exit in a last-gasp defeat to Belgium, put pen to paper for the 2018/19 season.
"It goes without saying that Keisuke has consistently proven himself at the highest level and we can't wait to see what he can do in Melbourne," said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.
The talismanic 32-year-old, one of the highest profile names in Asian football, had been a free agent since departing Mexican club Pachuca.
"I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I knew they were interested in me one week after the World Cup," he told Fox Sports.
"I really like a new challenge, that's me. I checked a couple of things. Melbourne Victory is the most successful club in the A-League. That's amazing. They became champs many times," he added.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manchester: English champions Manchester City have announced the signing of Australia's Daniel Arzani from Melbourne City FC on Thursday.
The 19-year-old arrived in the United Kingdom on Wednesday to finalise the terms of the transfer.
One of the brightest young talents to have emerged from Australian football in recent years, Arzani became the youngest ever player to be named in a FIFA World Cup squad for the Australia national team when he travelled to Russia this summer.
He was also the youngest player in the tournament, and came on as a substitute in the latter stages of the Socceroos group stage game against France.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Newcastle: Japanese international forward Yoshinori Muto has completed his move to Newcastle United after being granted a Governing Body Endorsement (work permit).
Muto has signed an initial four-year contract at St. James’ Park after leaving Bundesliga side Mainz 05 – for whom he appeared against the Magpies in last summer’s friendly in Germany.
He becomes the fifth player to link up with Newcastle ahead of the new English Premier League campaign, following the permanent arrivals of Martin Dúbrvaka, Ki Sung-yueng and Fabian Schär, and the loan capture of Robert Kenedy.
Speaking about his move, Muto said: “I am very happy to be a player for Newcastle United. I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans.
“As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club. I hope to achieve good results – that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle’s history.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Lee Jae-sung will leave Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K League 1 to join Holstein Kiel in the 2. Bundesliga, ending a four and a half years stint that saw him claim the Best Young Player honours in 2015 and MVP in 2017, while winning three domestic titles across four seasons.
On his way to a second division German club, Lee said he's determined to prove he's made the right choice.
"I've always dreamt of playing overseas, and I felt I was at a point where I needed a challenge in my career," Lee said in a video message released by Jeonbuk. "I wanted to test myself against foreign players."
Lee said he made "an extremely difficult decision" to leave Jeonbuk and added he has nothing but fond memories from his time with the K League 1 club.
"I know I've chosen to go down a difficult path," Lee added. "I'll try to compete with the pride of a K League MVP and prove that I've made the right move."