‘Being a player is my passion’: Keisuke Honda targets Singapore Premier League title with FC Jurong

SINGAPORE: He is a man with many ambitions, but for now former Japan and AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda’s goal is for FC Jurong to become the top club in Singapore.

Speaking at a press conference at the Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (Aug 22) where he was officially unveiled as the club’s latest signing, Honda said he wants to lead the team to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.

“I wanted to join this club (because) recently FC Jurong could not beat … (Lion City) Sailors, and I think this club should be the number one club in the Singapore league,” he said.

“Being a player is my passion, that’s it … I always want to play (football) and try to win in front of an audience. Plus I want to become champion so this is a great opportunity for me.”

In April, it was announced that the midfielder will play for FC Jurong during the 2026/27 SPL season. Previously known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, the club has won the league six times, and finished third in the SPL last season.

“We did not bring Keisuke here just because of his name,” club chairman Daisuke Korenaga told reporters. “What we want is his experience, his winning mentality, his professionalism, and most importantly, his high standards.”

Korenaga declined to disclose Honda’s contract details when asked by the media.

“We brought Keisuke here because we want to win, and we want him to bring his world-class standards into our club. At the same time, this project is not only about this season,” he said.

“One day Keisuke will leave FC Jurong. But when that day comes, I want something to remain here – his mentality, his standards, his professionalism.”