Kyogo Furuhashi has been discussing his move to Celtic with the striker giving a very positive impression about his summer transfer.
The 26-year-old switched his goalscoring form in the J League to the SPFL with ease to give Celtic fans a new hero.
Seven goals in July showing a desire to entertain instantly got the Celtic fans onside with no real heroes since Moussa Dembele quit for Lyon in the summer of 2018.
Moving from Japan to Glasgow is quite a culture shock, two decades ago Shunsuke Nakamura remained very private but in the age of social media Kyogo seems keen to embrace all aspects of his new.
After picking up an injury during the last international break Kyogo’s fitness will be closely watched from afar by Celtic fans but there seems little doubt about the striker’s enthusiasm for his new club and environment.
On learning English:
“I’m studying. I feel like I’m gradually making progress in communicating, but there’s still times when they don’t understand me. I’m doing my best to be understood with the vocabulary I know. Everyone’s very patient with me when they talk which is helpful.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On fitting in at Celtic:
“I was lost in the beginning. I had 10 days of quarantine in London and the day after I got out was the league opener, and they said I was on the bench… I hadn’t trained, the first time I met my teammates was at lunch the day of the game.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On Celtic fans:
“Our first home game wasn’t full, but even so I got goosebumps at the number of fans … I had great support in Japan but Celtic Park was bursting with energy. It was incredible to watch from the upper stands when I was injured.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On being out and about in Glasgow:
“Wherever you go there are Celtic supporters and they always ask for photos or ask how I’m doing. When I’m out shopping the staff ask for photos. Masny people wear their (Celtic) uniforms out; it’s a very different vibe from Japan.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
Ahead of tonight’s WCQ between Saudi Arabia and Japan, Kyogo Furuhashi spoke to former Japan international and current TV commentator Takashi Mizunuma about life at #CelticFC, J.League (& earlier) stuff and the Samurai Blue.https://t.co/xaPZM9RMm0
Thread with a few highlights:
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On Postecoglou:
“Everyone calls him ‘manager’ but I knew of him from his time at YFM and I call him ‘boss’ a lot.”
“He’s very detailed (about positioning & instructions) but everyone’s excited to play his style.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On EPL aspirations:
“Many players go from Scotland to the EPL; it’s motivating to see (Takehiro Tomiyasu) do well. Good results could open that path for me … but I have to get results to survive at (Celtic) & JNT … I want to do the best I can and contribute to (both) teams.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On personal targets at Celtic:
“I want to score 20+ goals this season. We’re one of the two biggest clubs in Scotland so that’s the standard I have to meet. Odsonne Edouard scored 18 last season so I want to beat that.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
On Shunsuke’s legacy:
“Shunsuke Nakamura made them think ‘Japanese players are amazing!’ and I hope through my play I can make it easier for JP players to come here. I’m a different style of player from Shunsuke, but I hope I can make them say ‘Furuhashi is amazing!'”
/thread
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) October 7, 2021
