Japan's Honda says Brazilian fans attracted him to Botafogo

Posted February 08, 2020 6:00 am

The Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Japanese star Keisuke Honda said the passion of Brazilian fans persuaded him to sign with Botafogo among other attractive offers from European and Asian clubs.

His decision received early vindication when he was met by about 1,000 chanting fans at the airport in Rio de Janeiro.

'œAt the airport, I have never seen that in my life,'ť Honda said on Saturday. "The passion of the people is what made me decide to play here.'ť

Thousands of more fans were on hand at Botafogo's Nilton Santos Stadium for the midfielder's introduction.

The 33-year-old Honda has been signed to the end of this year. He's come from Vitesse in the Netherlands. He's also played for CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, and MÃ©xico's Pachuca.

Honda is one of Japan's most successful players, having played in three World Cups. He scored 37 goals in 98 matches for the national team.

Botafogo has struggled in recent seasons, often finishing near the bottom of the Brazilian league.

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Japan's Keisuke Honda greets fans as he arrives on the field for his official presentation as the newest member of the Botafogo soccer club, at Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. Honda, considered one of Japan's most successful players who played in the last three World Cups, has signed on to play for Botafogo. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) The Associated Press

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