Shin Yamada has hit the ground running at Celtic. Literally.
The Japanese striker moved to Celtic as the latest Japanese import with J League stats telling fans that he is faster than Celtic hero Daizen Maeda.
Yamada made his Celtic debut in the win over Al Ahli in Como on Saturday night and it appears that the Hoops fans have really taken to him.
But here, Yamada’s ex-teammate Yu Kobayashi has shared how the Kawasaki Frontale’s players have reacted to his Celtic move.
The ‘last thing’ Kawasaki Frontale’s Yu Kobayashi told Shin Yamada before Celtic move
Kobayashi is a legend at Kawasaki Frontale with over 500 appearances and nine major domestic honours which include four league titles.
Speaking of Yamada’s move to Celtic, Kobayashi has shared the last thing he told him and how his Frontale teammates reacted to the big transfer to the Scottish champions.
Kobayashi told Castle and Soccer, “The last thing I said to him was that I wanted him to put the number 11 after me.
“He had a strong overseas mindset, and Frontale players are energized by his successes, his successes will continue to inspire me.”
When asked who will take over his shirt number 11 when he retires now that Yamada is at Celtic, Kobayashi said, “I don’t know who will wear the number 11 after me, but Shin will probably come back again, so I hope he will wear it at some point.”
What Celtic striker Shin Yamada won at Kawasaki Frontale
Yamada was only at Kawasaki Frontale for three years after turning professional at the age of 22.
Previously of Toin University of Yokohama, Yamada was a huge success at Frontale winning the Japanese Cup, the Japanese Super Cup and, of course, the Asian Champions League in 2025.
Now at Celtic, Yamada will be hoping to add to his silverware collection and help Brendan Rodgers defend his title and possibly win another treble this season.
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