East Asia Japan

Keisuke Honda announces AC Milan departure

Japanese star Keisuke Honda has confirmed that he will leave AC Milan at the end of Italian Serie A this season.

The 30-year-old midfielder has cut a frustrated figure at the San Siro this season with only seven appearances in the league as he has slipped down the pecking order.

Honda’s lack of action has led to him seeking a move away from the club after the last match of the season against Cagliari on May 28.

“My dearest Milan supporters, thank you,” Kyodo quoted Honda as saying on Twitter.

“It has been a challenging three and a half years but because of that I have been able to grow as a person.

“I will be leaving Milan after this season, but I look forward to seeing you again soon.

“I may not be a player then, who knows in what way we will meet. In the meantime, I will continue to work hard every day to achieve my goals. Forza Milan!”

Where he will ply his trade next remains unclear, but the former CSKA Moscow player has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer and also with several clubs in Spain’s La Liga.