Former Celtic hero Shunsuke Nakamura is reportedly set to bring his footballing career to an end at the age of 44 this month.
Reports from Japanese media outlet, Sponichi stated that the ex-Celtic number 25 was calling time on his playing days, which spanned across a 26-year period.
Nakamura started his professional career in his homeland with Yokohama F Marinos in 1997. Of course, Marinos are a club that are now very familiar to the Celtic support, following the recent moves of Ange Postecoglou and Daizen Maeda.
After around five years in Japan, Nakamura made the jump to Europe, turning out for Italian side Reggina where he continued to make a name for himself.
Following his stay in Italy, the talented midfielder attracted interest from clubs across Europe but decided to make the move to join Celtic under the management of Gordon Strachan.
The Japanese international became an extremely popular figure during his stay at Parkhead, scoring 31 goals and assisting a further 36 in 145 appearances.
Many of Nakamura’s goals are fondly remembered to this day, including two incredible free-kicks against English giants Manchester United and a long-range, swerving effort at Celtic Park versus Rangers.
And that is only naming a handful of his famous strikes, with his ability from a dead ball situation causing major concern for clubs on the domestic and European front.
His departure came in 2009 as he headed to Spain for a year before Nakamura made the return to his homeland, where he has spent the rest of his playing days.
Although his minutes on the pitch lessened as time went on, incredibly, the former Celtic man was still playing into his mid-40s.
However, at the end of 2022, Nakamura has decided to call time on his days as a player following a disruptive few years due to an ankle injury [Sponichi].
Nakamura made his final home appearance for current side Yokohama FC, playing 18 minutes as they lost out in the league against Zweigen Kanazawa.
But, the midfielder should be set for a fantastic send-off in Yokohama’s final game of the season against Roasso Kumamoto after already securing promotion to the top flight of Japanese football.
Nakamura calls time on a fantastic career filled with Celtic Park memories.
As a Celtic supporter, many of my early days as a fan were during Nakamura’s time as a player at Parkhead, and he helped create many incredible memories.
His goals in the Champions League and in Scotland continue to be played on a regular basis and will be for many years to come.
After such an incredible career spanning across over 25 years, I am sure the 98-time capped international is now looking forward to some time off and will be reflecting upon his playing days.
Who knows, maybe in the near future, we could even see Nakamura pay a visit to Paradise once again and take in Ange Postecoglou’s side in action.
We wish him all the very best in retirement and a thank you for his contribution in the Green and White Hoops!
In other news, Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish questions Scottish FA comments as refs come into focus again.
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