Everton and Tottenham target delivers message on his future at AC Milan

Keisuke Honda has played down reports of a January transfer to the Premier League

KEISUKE HONDA has played down a move to the Premier League after claiming he wants to stay and fight for his place at AC Milan, according to reports.

 

The Japanese playmaker joined the Serie A outfit on a free transfer in 2013 from CSKA Moscow, but has struggled for regular first-team football under boss Sinsa Mihajlovic. 

Honda has been handed just four starts in ten appearances this term and has been linked with a January move to England after the 29-year-old vented his frustration over his lack of game time at the San Siro. 

 

This put Everton and Tottenham on alert with reports in Italy suggesting that they would be going head-to-head to sign the Japan international in January. 

However, Honda has dealt them a hammer blow after pledging his allegiance to Milan. 

 

Honda scoring for Japan in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Cambodia

"I will tell you one thing clearly: I won't leave Milan of my own accord," he told Japanese publication Nikkan Sports. 

"I came to Milan with unshakeable determination and unless they tell me they don't want me, I'm going nowhere. I won't run away.

"It's more difficult than I imagined it would be at Milan, but of course I won't give up.

"Of course I have to accept my disappointing performances, but I have confidence of fighting back. I know it will be difficult to win back my place but I haven't given up."