Celtic’s Japanese stars have paid tribute to Shunsuke Nakamura after the club icon announced his retirement from football at the age of 44.
The former 98-cap Japan international was a revelation in Glasgow’s east end after signing for the Hoops in 2005, going on to win three successive titles and multiple individual awards in a spell that saw him almost play a part in some of the most iconic moments in Celtic’s modern era.
Widely-known for his free kick-taking ability, his pair of set piece goals in the Champions League group stage against Manchester United are arguably the highlight of his Celtic career, with the Paradise winner over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side delivering one of the club’s great European results.
In a video posted to Celtic’s Twitter page, his fellow countrymen each posted their own message for the club icon.
Kyogo said: “Thank you for everything, Shunsuke. We wish you all the best.
Daizen Maeda said: “Thank you for your many years of great achievement in your personal career. Thank you for making Japanese football more exciting. We will do our best to lead from now on.
Yosuke Ideguchi said: “Thank you for your long and active career. Thank you very much for your many inspirations.”
Reo Hatate was the last speak in the clip, the midfielder referencing his meeting with Nakamura in the summer. He said: “Thank you for all your hard work over the years. Thank you for all the inspiration. I was invited to dinner during the off-season and after talking to you, I felt much better and understood the importance of playing for Celtic. I’ve admired you for a long time. You were my star. I will do my best to be the next player who can inspire someone else.”
The club also posted an extended highlight reel of Nakamura’s time at Celtic, with the playmaker’s 34 goals across 166 appearances in the Hoops, including many free kicks well represented in the clip.
Nakamura started his career at Yokohama F. Marinos, which has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, given that it’s also the former club of Maeda and of course, manager Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic signed him from Reggina in Serie A, he left after four excellent years in Glasgow on a Bosman for Espanyol, before returning to the J-League after a single season in Spain, playing for another 12 years before retiring at Marinos’ city rivals Yokohama FC in Japan’s second tier.
There’s unlikely to be a single Celtic fan who watched Nakamura during his time in Glasgow that won’t wish him well in his retirement after an incredible career – he is truly a modern Celtic great.
In other news: Michael Stewart gives baffling verdict on Hearts – Celtic VAR chaos
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
