Celtic-bound J-League sensation Kyogo Furuhashi gives emotional farewell to supporters

By Euan Davidson

July 17, 2021

It’s happening: J-League sensation Kyogo Furuhashi has said goodbye to Vissel Kobe supporters, before he comes to play for Celtic.

The Bhoys announced the signing of Furuhashi yesterday [Celtic FC]. Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou claimed that the attacker will “add something special” to the squad.

The evidence is there; he’s been J-League top scorer for the last two seasons, and starred for Vissel Kobe next to Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta. There’s good news for his High School, who look set to net approximately $95,000.

Starring in his last game for Kobe, he even got on the scoresheet. During the “Shinhan Derby” against Cerezo Osaka, Furuhashi finished cooly to put his team ahead.

After the game, Furuhashi shared a profound message of thanks to his club and supporters on Twitter.

Vissel Kobe and J-League star Kyogo Furuhashi’s message to supporters

Japanese international and J-League top scorere Kyogo Furuhashi said [Twitter]:

“Today it’s been a very special day for me. The Shinhan Derby was my last match with Vissel Kobe.

“Today an unforgettable stage in my sports career comes to an end, in a wonderful city that will always be my home. It has been a great honor [sic] to wear this jersey, defend our shield and win the first titles in the Club’s history. When I arrived here, I never thought I would experience so many wonderful moments. I have been really fortunate to be able to live this experience with great teammates, coaches, members of the coaching staff and Club employees.

To my teammates and coaches, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow. Since I came to the Club until today, I have learnt from all of you with admiration and respect. Your support has been essential to ignite my passion for football, my will to improve and do my best to help the team in every single match. I will always wish you the best.

To our fans, I have no words to thank you for all the love I have received since I arrived in Kobe. Thank you for these fantastic and challenging years. Your passion and unconditional support are our motivation to move forward and never give up.

Thanks for everything,

Kyogo Furuhashi”

An emotional farewell before Bhoys reception

Everything we’ve seen from and about Furuhashi, including his goal today, only serve to ramp up the excitement.

We hoped that Celtic would tap into Ange Postecoglou’s knowledge of particular markets. Football exists outside Europe, yet Celtic haven’t had any Asian players in the first-team since Cha Du-Ri and Ki Seung Yeung.

It’s too early to say what kind of impact Furuhashi will have, and it makes no sense to put pressure on the guy. However, he’s a bona fide star in a intensely-watched league, and beloved by Japanese supporters.

He also seems to have a real connection with the Vissel Kobe faithful. If we’re lucky, Furuhashi will become a hero in the Hoops, too.

READ MORE: ANOTHER new signing imminent…?