Reo Hatate has been a tremendous player for Celtic over the last three years.
The Japan midfielder arrived at the club in December 2021 as Ange Postecoglou rebuilt Celtic after the disastrous COVID season.
Hatate impressed in games against Hearts and Rangers in his first few games for Celtic and over the last three seasons he has won eight major domestic honours.
But now, after The Scottish Sun reported that Udinese were tracking the Celtic hero, Brazilian legend Zico has shared what he has heard about Hatate after speaking to his old coach in Japan.
Zico praises Reo Hatate’s ‘winning mentality’ at Celtic
Zico is a legendary figure in Brazil and one of the most highly decorated players from his country with 14 domestic honours to his name so when it comes to a winning mentality, he certainly knows all about it.
But it appears that people in Japan are still talking about Hatate after Zico spoke to his former coach at Kawasaki Frontale.
Zico told The Sunday Post, “I spoke recently about Hatate with Toru Oniki, his coach at Frontale for years.
“He told me that he was a strong, fast player with a winning mentality, who has already won a lot in his career.
“He said he is an excellent player, highly regarded, who can operate well in any position across the midfield.
“All indications are he could do very well. Certainly, I would imagine in Italy, especially with a team like Udinese, where he would have time to settle in better.”
Reo Hatate’s Celtic career in numbers
Hatate has known nothing but silverware since he left Japan for Scotland to join Celtic. With eight winners medals, the 27-year-old is enjoying the most successful period of his career.
| Celtic stats | Played | Goals | Assists |
| Reo Hatate | 142 | 27 | 28 |
Under contract until 2028, Celtic fans will get to enjoy Hatate for a few more years yet as the club continues to dominate Scottish football.
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