AFP, Tokyo :
Japan superstar Keisuke Honda has promised to fight for his place at AC Milan as speculation grows of an imminent move to England, local media reported Thursday.
Apparently surplus to requirements at the San Siro, Honda has been buried deep on Milan’s bench after falling out with Serbian coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, but the 29-year-old on Thursday denied he had handed in a transfer request.
“I will tell you one thing clearly: I won’t leave Milan of my own accord,” Honda told Japan’s Nikkan Sports daily. “I came to Milan with unshakeable determination and unless they tell me they don’t want me, I’m going nowhere. I won’t run away.”
Honda’s plight at Milan, where he has cut a forlorn figure this season, has alerted English Premier League clubs Everton and Tottenham, with West Ham United also being linked to the Japan playmaker.
But Honda, who has helped the Blue Samurai to a best-ever five successive World Cup qualifying wins, remained defiant about his chances of reviving his club career.
“Of course I have to accept my disappointing performances,” said Honda, who joined Milan from CSKA Moscow in 2013. “But I have confidence of fighting back. I know it will be difficult to win back my place but I haven’t given up.
“It’s more difficult than I imagined it would be at Milan,” added the bleached-blond attacking midfielder. “But of course I won’t give up.”
