Reo Hatate has played a key role in Celtic’s strong start to the season.
A certain Nicolas Kuhn might be stealing the headlines, but in recent times, Hatate isn’t far behind, in terms of performances.
That’s why it’s incredible that some were questioning Hatate’s place in the Celtic side recently because he has shut a lot of those critics up.
A player purchased during the Ange Postecoglou era, the Japan star has proven to be a great success in Glasgow and is still going.
You sense that the all-action midfielder is now starting to play some of the best football of his career because he displayed just that against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
It needs to be noted that the 26-year-old joined the club during the January transfer window of 2022 and, as Kuhn has proved, it’s not easy jumping into such an environment and producing the goods straight away.
But as soon as Hatate landed on Scottish soil, it wasn’t too long before the Celtic supporters were warming to him.
Reo Hatate says Celtic goal v Rangers in 2022 made him feel ‘accepted’ by fans
Celtic have enjoyed many wins over Rangers and that winning train doesn’t seem to be stopping, whether it’s Ange in the dugout or Brendan Rodgers for a second time.
But when Hatate first arrived, his first goal came away at Hearts and then a week later, he was scoring against Rangers at Parkhead.
As Glasgow derby king Kyogo Furuhashi has proved, scoring against Rangers will seriously elevate your status and it did just that with his countryman.
Hatate shared that the goal was a ‘big moment’ for him because that’s when he felt ‘accepted’ by the fans, as he told Celtic’s Official YouTube channel.
“After scoring in the following game against Rangers, I really felt embraced by the fans,” said Hatate.
“Playing well and getting results on the field is essential for any player to connect with the supporters and that goal helped me solidify my place with them. It was a big moment of acceptance. I realised then just how much the fans appreciated me.”
Hatate has a message for Celtic fans
When the final international break of 2024 concludes, Celtic will be thrust into a very important and gruelling winter period.
There is a lot on the line, including Celtic’s League Cup Final showdown with Rangers and trying to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Added to that, Aberdeen are still pushing Celtic and the Bhoys travel to Pittodrie in December in what will be a huge game.
The fans are going to be needed more than ever, with Hatate lauding and applauding their efforts, both on home soil and in Japan.
“Whether home or away, our fans are incredible,” added Hatate. “Their passion and loyalty are truly unique. It gives us a real strength of relief on the field.
“I have never played for any other European team, but I don’t think I have seen such passionate fans anywhere else. I’m always grateful for their support.
“Celtic fans pack the stadium with nearly 60,000 people every game and their cheers are an immense source of strength for us. I’m thankful to all our fans, including those in Japan, who watch the matches despite the time difference. Knowing that they are cheering us on so far away is really motivating. I would like to thank them for staying up so late to support us. When we are in Japan for pre-season, the fans there showed up in huge numbers. It reminded me just how widespread the love for Celtic is and I feel really grateful for that.”
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