Japan star Honda 'stuck in a rut' at CSKA
Reuters - Friday 10 June 2011, 03:46
TOKYO - Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda
fears the brakes have been slammed on his career by CSKA Moscow
and has called on the Russian side to let him move to a bigger
club.
The 24-year-old shot to prominence at last year's World Cup
in South Africa by helping Japan reach the last 16, but admitted
his career had reached a crossroads.
"It's agonising," Honda, who has been heavily linked with English
Premier League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal, told Japan's Nikkan
Sports newspaper.
"I can't stay like this. I said I wanted Japan to win the
World Cup. I was MVP at the Asian Cup in January but I'm still
not happy with things."
The bleached-blond Honda played a key role Japan's record
fourth Asian Cup triumph in Qatar, but CSKA have repeatedly
issued a "hands off" warning to prospective European suitors.
As his star continues to rise on the international stage,
Honda has made no attempt to hide his frustration at being stuck
in a rut.
"I'm happy people give me credit after Japan win games. It's
a great feeling," said Honda, who had a spell at Dutch club
Venlo before moving to Russia.
"I don't mind getting a hammering when we lose either,
although it can sting sometimes. I put that pressure on myself.
"But right now I'm in a rut still being at CSKA. This wasn't
what I planned. If I don't accept it I can't live my life. But
if I get too used to my circumstances I'll come to a halt.
"That scares me."