Reo Hatate has revealed how a conversation with an international teammate plying his trade in the Premier League helped him to have his best goal scoring season.
Hatate was impressive for Brendan Rodgers’ side, scoring 11 times and registering nine assists from 55 games in all competitions.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 55 | 11 | 9 |
Brazil legend Zico said he could imagine Hatate at Udinese but there will be hopes that the 27-year-old will remain at Glasgow after missing the end of the season through injury.
His success is the reason behind the interest in his signature and his upturn in form is thanks to one person.
Reo Hatate credits Kaoru Mitoma for excellent season
During his recent interview with the Scottish Sun, Hatate claimed he had “performed better than ever” in the 2024/25 season.
Before his 11 goals, his previous highest tally in a season was nine and his new-found form is thanks to a chat with Japan teammate and Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma.
He said: “I remember speaking to him about this on the team coach after Japan played Saudi Arabia.
“He told me, ‘If one player on the ball can attract the opponent, space will be created somewhere and things will open up’.
“I strongly agreed and understood what he was talking about. When I returned to Celtic, I always kept those words in mind.”
Reo Hatate says 24/25 Scottish Premiership title win was his favourite
After the heartbreak of missing out on so much of the 2023/24 season, working on his fitness and ensuring he was a regular member of the side this time around.
Up until his injury suffered against Aberdeen in the penultimate league game of the season, Hatate had been an ever-present in the side and admitted that made this year’s title sweeter than ever.
He said: “The moment we won the title, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment unlike anything I had ever felt before.”
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