Muscat’s way with words lands Honda

DESPITE his reputation as a football hard man, Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat can take credit for sweettalking Japan superstar Keisuke Honda out of retirement and into signing with his ALeague club.

Honda faced a big media contingent yesterday after arriving in Melbourne this week, with the room mostly filled with Japanese journalists who had travelled to cover his first press conference in a sign of his international status.

He says he did not think he would play on after the World Cup but a meeting with Muscat convinced him to join the A-League champions — on a one-year deal believed to be worth $2.9 million.

“I was thinking to quit my career after the World Cup but lucky this club made me a great offer,” said Honda, who has 98 international caps.

“I changed my mind after I spoke to Kevin directly.

“He said to me he really wants to succeed as a club . . . so he’s an ambitious person and I’m an ambitious person as well, so I was inspired by him.

“That was a big meeting for me.”

Muscat downplayed his influence but says the pair spoke about the club’s ambitions in the Asian Champions League.

“It gives Keisuke an opportunity for the first time, going back to Japan and playing against a club side in Japan,” he said.

“He’s played many internationals there and has been away from Japan for a number of years.”

Honda has also signed a deal with the Cambodian national team, believed to be general manager, working with coach Felix Gonzalez.

However, he reassured Victory it was his first priority.

“About four months (ago) I spoke to the Cambodian association and I ask them may I become manager of the national team and at the same time I’m a soccer player and they said yes,” Honda said.

“Melbourne Victory understands my situation and respect my activities.

“When I’m here I will be focusing on that.”