Honda staying focused
Keisuke Honda is not too downbeat over his failed move to Lazio as he concentrates on trying to regain fitness for the Champions League.
Last Updated: 07/02/12 11:27am
Keisuke Honda has refused to get too downbeat over his failed move to Lazio as he concentrates on trying to regain fitness for CSKA Moscow's UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The Japanese midfielder is still recovering from knee surgery but almost made a deadline day move to Italy after Lazio entered into talks with CSKA.
Honda was hopeful a deal would be agreed but the Russian club rejected a late bid and he is staying philosophical about the disappointment.
"If moaning about it would get me a move I would have a moan," said Honda, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in the past.
"I know how important it is for me to focus on the things I need to do now."
Race against time
The 25-year-old's main focus is on recovering from the injury to his right knee, although he faces a race against time to get fit for the tie against Real Madrid.
The first leg will be played in the Russian capital on 21st February, before the return game takes place on 14th March.
"Running on it, it still feels like it will take a while (to fully recover)," said Honda, after linking up with his CSKA team-mates at their training camp in Spain.
"I need to do things at my own pace as much as possible."