MOSCOW, December 11 (R-Sport) – Midfielder Keisuke Honda has left CSKA Moscow to join AC Milan after his contract expired, the Russian football club announced Wednesday.
The 27-year-old Japan star scored 20 goals in 94 league games over four years with Leonid Slutsky's side, and helped the team to win the Russian league and Cup double last season.
"CSKA thanks Keisuke for the four seasons he spent with the team, and for his contribution to what we achieved in that time," a statement on the club website said. "We wish the midfielder success in his further career."
Honda was linked with a cash transfer to Milan over the summer but decided to hold out for a free move during the winter after the Italian club reportedly refused to pay CSKA's asking price.
He started his playing career at Nagoya Grampus, and joined CSKA from Dutch team Venlo in 2010. He has 52 international caps for Japan, scoring 20 goals, including one that earned the team qualification to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani confirmed Wednesday that Honda will join the club on a free transfer on January 3 and will wear the No. 10 shirt.
