Reo Hatate met up with Celtic’s Japanese trailblazer today and was happy to share the moment on Instagram.
Way back in 2005 Celtic made a bold venture when they brought in Shunsuke Nakamura to Scotland, opening the club up to a whole new market.
Koki Mizuno wasn’t able to live up to those standards but a generation later Celtic fans just can’t get enough of Japanese players with Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda all making big contributions to regaining the SPFL Premiership title.
Nakamura did that three times, in 2007 he scored a memorable title winner away to Kilmarnock, but it is what happens next that will interest Celtic fans most.
Against Manchester United Nakamura’s name was flashed around the globe as he scored home and away in the Champions League with his goal at Celtic Park one of the most celebrated, and replayed, in the history of the club.
Hatate is a very different type of midfielder but both men seem to have a genuine love for the Celtic shirt alongside a dedication to achieve as much as possible in football.
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This player is an absolute legend and magician with a ball.