CSKA Moscow director general Roman Babaev has pointed the finger at Lazio for the breakdown of Keisuke Honda’s move to the Serie A club.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a deadline day move to Rome, to the extent that Edy Reja’s men had reportedly set aside a shirt number in preparation for the CSKA winger’s arrival.
But the transfer collapsed, and the Russian outfit have blamed Lazio for the failure to seal the deal.
“Lazio did not have a suitable approach in terms of money and in the way they approached us,” Babaev told Corriere Dello Sport.
“They failed to negotiate seriously in terms of the player’s value. They were disrespectful to him and us.”
The CSKA executive said the Asian superstar had been keen for a move to the Serie A side, but backed the player to continue his career in the Russian capital in a professional manner.
“Honda had hoped to leave, this was very bad, but he is a true professional. He just needs to forget these negotiations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lazio official Igli Tare has blamed the Russian club for the transfer not happening.
“Increasing the fee was like a game to CSKA Moscow, we increased the offer three times. The Russians didn’t change their position,” Tare said.
“Lazio made a good offer for Honda. It was the biggest deal in the January market in Europe.”
