Keisuke Honda has waited a long time to get his shot with one of Europe's biggest clubs, but his patience should stand him in good stead as he begins life with Italian giants AC Milan this week.
Honda was set to be unveiled by the seven-time European champions on Wednesday after signing a contract with the club until June 2017, with the Rossoneri handing him the No. 10 shirt made famous by the likes of Ruud Gullit, Dejan Savicevic and Rui Costa despite having never played in any of Europe's elite leagues.
At the age of 27, however, Honda has certainly served his apprenticeship. The attacking midfielder thrived in two years with modest Dutch club VVV-Venlo after leaving Nagoya Grampus in early 2008, and improved further after a move to CSKA Moscow in January 2010 brought a steady diet of Champions League appearances.