'Emperor Keisuke' joins the Army Men

PFC CSKA Moskva have signed Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda from VVV Venlo on a four-year contract with the Dutch side "extremely content with the financial outcome", though no details have been released of a transfer fee.

Imperious performances
The 23-year-old playmaker joined VVV from Nagoya Grampus Eight in 2008, earning a great reputation for his ability from free-kicks and set-pieces. Nicknamed '‘Keizer Keisuke' (Emperor Keisuke) by fans at the De Koel Stadium, he had been linked with moves to Liverpool FC, Everton and a number of other top Dutch sides in recent weeks. However, he has elected to join CSKA, with a statement from VVV reading: "We are extremely content with the financial outcome as the transfer fee is close to the figure we had in mind. We are naturally sorry to see Keisuke Honda leave our club, but this transfer gives VVV Venlo a healthy financial basis for the future." With three goals in eleven appearances for Japan, Honda leaves VVV having scored 24 goals in 68 league fixtures in the Netherlands. His new side take on Sevilla FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on 24 February and 16 March.