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SYDNEY, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Melbourne Victory's new marquee signing Keisuke Honda arrived in Melbourne, going in front of the cameras on Wednesday to discuss his new deal down under with the reigning A-League Champions.
The Japanese World Cup star has 98 caps for his country and has also featured for European powerhouses AC Milan and CSKA Moscow, but it's one of his current engagements that has most football observers intrigued.
"It was about four months ago, I spoke to the Cambodian association," Honda said.
"I asked them, may I become a manager of the national team at the same time I'm a soccer player? And they said yes."
The 32-year-old explained that he plans to travel to the Southeast Asian nation about once every 2-3 months and conduct the rest of his consultancy work through video link.
Although he admitted to "feeling the pressure" when it comes to his various commitments, he assured fans that he will not be distracted.
"First, I am a player of Melbourne Victory right now, from today, so I have to focus on playing well, for the fans, for the teammates, and for everyone here," he said.
"I can't wait, I look forward to playing as soon as possible."
While Honda's one-year deal is reported to be worth 2.9 million Australian dollars (2.1 million USD), the club's chairman Anthony Di Pietro said he's not concerned with his star midfielder's second job.
"The long and short of it is, first and foremost, Keisuke's priority is here at Melbourne Victory," he said.
"It will in no way compromise any of our games or even training sessions."
"We don't have any issues, whatever has needed to be worked through, has been worked through, so we're quite comfortable."
With many fans expecting Honda to make his debut appearance for the Victory next week in the FFA Cup round of 16 clash against APIA Leichhardt, Melbourne's head coach said he's still considering that option.
"Naturally, Keisuke as you know arrived yesterday, we'll start working immediately with Keisuke to find out where he is physically," Kevin Muscat said.
"The medical's concluded and there are no issues whatsoever, however there will be no risks taken. We'll get straight into work and see where Keisuke is physically, and when he's ready, he'll make his debut." Enditem
