Melbourne: Keisuke Honda is set to end his stay with Melbourne Victory, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Japanese star Honda, 32, will don Victory colours for the last time when the club host Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Wednesday's 2019 AFC Champions League group stage finale.
One of the greatest Asian footballers of his generation, Honda made a significant impact on the A-League when he signed on for Victory in August 2018.
A hamstring injury kept the play-maker sidelined mid-season, but he still contributed handsomely to Kevin Muscat's side's third-place finish, offering a return of seven goals and seven assists in 20 matches.
“I am proud to have been a Melbourne Victory player and grateful for having the opportunity to play in Australia,” Honda said.
“I leave now for my next challenge but will never forgot my time at Victory.
“I wish the club good luck in the future as they pursue success.”
Thank you and all the best, @kskgroup2017! Keisukeã®æ–°å¤©åœ°ã§ã®æˆåŠŸã‚’祈ã£ã¦ã„ã¾ã™! https://t.co/rfNUeMcf12 #MVFC #OurVictory pic.twitter.com/akV5ikWgmj
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 21, 2019
“Keisuke has been a professional in every sense of the word, and we’ve been lucky to have him with us at Melbourne Victory this season,” Melbourne Victory CEO Trent Jacobs said.
“He’s obviously an incredible talent on the pitch, however the impact he’s had on our club off the field has aided our growth this season. He’s been a fan favourite and has drawn new crowds to not only our matches but our digital platforms.
“We thank Keisuke for his services throughout the past year and wish him all the best for the future.”
Victory fans get the chance to farewell Honda, departing head coach Kevin Muscat and retiring captain Carl Valeri against Sanfrecce on Wednesday.
Sources: A-League, Melbourne Victory, AFP
Source: the-afc.com