CSKA Moscow president Yevgeni Giner has hit out at AC Milan over their attempts to lure Keisuke Honda away from his current club this summer.
By Stefan Coerts
The Serie A giants were keen to sign the attacking midfielder, but his current club have decided not to sell to the Rossoneri following perceived underhand tactics
CSKA Moscow president Yevgeni Giner has hit out at AC Milan over their attempts to lure Keisuke Honda away from his current club this summer.
The San Siro side have long been trying to sign the Japan international as they aim to add some more creativity to their squad, but CSKA have made it clear they have no intention to sell Honda to Milan following their "disrespectful" behaviour in the past few months.
"I'm tired of all the Honda speculations. We have been waiting for Milan to understand the situation and stop it, but it didn't happen. Honda is not going to be sold to Milan, not for €5 million, not for €10m, full stop," Giner told bobsoccer.ru.
"CSKA are sometimes willing to sell players to Europe, but there are ethical norms of negotiations. We will never tolerate disrespectful behaviour.
"For example, Milan got in touch with Honda in the beginning of 2013 when they had no right to do so. We told the Italian agents that we are open to normal negotiations, but if they think that we will crack a few months before the contract ends, then they are wrong.
"And then on July 1, Milan offered us to exchange Honda for a reserve player. What do you think our reaction was? Later they tried to get Honda in some very unusual ways. We could reach an agreement if Milan behaved decently. But they tried to threaten us and provoke a conflict between Honda and CSKA.
"Honda knows what's going on, and he doesn't have any questions. It is well known that CSKA are willing to honour the wishes of players, and the Vagner Love deal to China proves that. But our club must be treated with respect."
Honda, 27, has a contract with CSKA until December 2013.
