Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has stated that he plans to become a manager once he finally decides to hang up the boots.
Only last month, Naka extended his incredible playing career for a further year as he continues to wow supporters with Yokohama FC. Aged 43, the former Japanese international superstar is heading into his 12th campaign since arriving back in Japan back in 2010.
Naka’s impact at Celtic Park is legendary. One of the most iconic figures of the 2000s, the free-kick master won 6 medals during his 4-year stint in Glasgow. Supporters remember him for iconic moments such as his sensational free-kicks against Manchester United and perhaps one of the greatest derby goals of all-time against Rangers in 2008.
But the time has come for Nakamura to look towards his long-term future, and it’s clear which direction he wants to head in. As quoted by the Daily Record [print edition, 18/01, page 50], Naka said: “There are many ways to end your life as a football player. Some players have to stop because nobody wants them anymore and some have to stop because of injury. But I don’t have those problems. The timing for when I quit is all to do with me. It will be my decision.
“If I don’t have to quit I’ll always want to play football. I want to be a manager when I stop playing so that could impact on my playing days. It’s all about timing and the decision is mine.
“I think I would enjoy being a manager because I have collected a great deal of experience with many teams both home and abroad. I would know whether to speak to players or whether it’s better not to say anything. But for now, I am only concentrating on playing and I am looking forward to the new season.”
Celtic great Shunsuke Nakamura eyeing up long-term managerial impact
Should Naka make the transition into football management, he won’t be the only star from Gordon Strachan’s reign who have taken the plunge.
The likes of Massimo Donati, Scott McDonald, and Gary Caldwell are all either in managerial gigs or have been in the past. Not to mention Shaun Maloney who already looks the part at Hibs.
We won’t go into whether Naka could one day be a future Celtic manager and all the rest of it. Sometimes, players who have reputations such as his could do with staying away and protecting their legacy. Look at what happened to Neil Lennon after all.
It would certainly be interesting to see what style of play the Japanese would adopt. The same goes for how he would be in terms of his man-management skills.
Regardless, it doesn’t look like he has any plans to go into full retirement any time soon. Instead, he clearly has his eyes fixated on continuing to play on a weekly basis. Given the fact injury problems haven’t followed him into his twilight days, there are no signs of him stopping.
We always knew him as a magician for the miracles he conjured up in Glasgow. That’s why it’s tough to even be surprised at him constantly prolonging his special playing career on an annual basis.
In other news, Norwegian Report: Bodo/Glimt to sign winger who’s already faced Celtic twice this season
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