Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni admits it's been a tough first six months at AC Milan for Keisuke Honda.

Zaccheroni, himself, is a former Milan coach.

"Arriving at Milan at that moment during the League and with a change in the Coach would not have been ideal for anyone," Zaccheroni said.

"But I know what sort of guy Keisuke is. Over these years he has given us a lot.

"Knowing him, I think he can grow during this World Cup."

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