Berisha set for one of the ‘most emotional moments in my career’

Besart Berisha revealed that it would be one of the most enduring moments of his career with his Japanese side “destined” to face Melbourne Victory in the Asian Champions League.

Besart Berisha is set to return to AAMI Park for the first time. Picture: AAP

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Besart Berisha revealed that it would be one of the most emotional games of his career with his Japanese side “destined” to face Melbourne Victory in the Asian Champions League.

And Berisha, who scored 86 goals in 137 games for Victory, said his former A-League team was on track for more success with Keisuke Honda at the helm.

While Honda is focused on Saturday’s traditional pre-Christmas derby, everyone has one eye on the Asian draw as the Japan legend’s homecoming would turn the Victory-Sanfrecce Hiroshima clash into one of the most anticipated in Champions League history.

Besart Berisha is set to return to AAMI Park for the first time. Picture: AAP

Sanfrecce will advance to Victory’s Group F by winning its one-off home playoff on February 19, against either Chiangrai United (Thailand), Ceres-Negros (Philippines) or Yangon United (Myanmar).

Honda’s rockstar return to Japan is set down for March 12, before AAMI Park would welcome back Berisha on May 22.

“I have thought about playing Victory at AAMI Park, it would be awkward,’’ Berisha told News Corp Australia.

Besart Berisha with the A-League yoilet seat. Picture: Getty

“I feel like playing against Victory will be so emotional for me, probably one of the most emotional (moments) in my career.

“I knew a long time ago that this was a possibility. And this kind of situation, playing against my ex clubs and coaches always seems to follow me.

“I remember when I signed for Victory and played against them in the semi-final for Brisbane, it was really difficult. But that’s my job (scoring), I have to do what I have to do for my club and try and win games.

“Victory was a very special time, the people, the supporters. It’s never easy, but this one will be super emotional, playing against the team and supporters. Also the chairman Anthony Di Pietro, who was a big part of my success at Victory.”

Keisuke Honda is set for his own homecoming. Picture: AAP

Under fire at stages last season, Berisha proved his class in netting 14 goals in 28 games to lead Victory to a fourth title, was impressed with the 2018-19 version.

Berisha said Victory were on track this season with Honda at the helm.

“A lot of people talk about Honda and the new players but I see Kosta (Barbarouses) has stepped up again. He’s working double now in this new system, Carl Valeri is doing great, Loza (Lawrence Thomas) is getting stronger, Tommy Deng is playing a bigger role.

“The system has changed a bit, with two strikers. We always played with one striker, so a bit has changed. So far so good. It’s a long season, you have to hang in there.

“In the beginning it was a bit difficult. They’ve found themselves. They win good games, and even it’s not a good game like against Adelaide, they still win it which is important.”

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