Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has opened on his whirlwind 18 months that has seen him go from title winner in Japan to a key part of Ange Postecoglou’s midfield.
The 24-year old has only had a short career in professional football so far. However, he has already enjoyed his fair share of success.
Joining Celtic in January, the Japanese midfielder came off the back of two league title wins with his former side Kawasaki Frontale.
Of course, he also then went on to play a huge role in Celtic’s league title win, overturning a six-point deficit at the beginning of the year.
Hatate scored some huge goals along the way for Ange Postecoglou’s side, including a double in the Glasgow derby against Rangers and a thunderous strike at Tynecastle.
The midfielder has opened up on his incredible rise across the last 18 months, which saw him complete the goal of moving to Europe and making an impact.
He said [Sun Sport]: “I couldn’t have imagined all of this a year and a half ago. I wanted to go abroad, but I didn’t think I would get this transfer. I wanted to win the J-League. Then I won the league with Celtic.
“I didn’t think I would be able to play in the Olympics, but it was postponed for a year. Maybe I had some luck, but it’s all been very fulfilling.
“It was amazing to win the J-League for the second time in a row and then go to Celtic, who were competing for the championship. I feel really blessed, and I need to thank my teammates.”
Reo Hatate the perfect example of the talent in the J-League
One of the positives that came with Postecoglou being appointed as Celtic manager was his knowledge of leagues on the other side of the globe.
Having worked in the J-League just before arriving in Glasgow, the 56-year old clearly took notice of what players he could bring over from Glasgow.
Hatate was part of a trio signed from Japan early in the January window, and he showed precisely why right from the off at Celtic.
There are so many talented players still in Japan who clubs in Europe should be taking a look at, using that market to their advantage.
Who knows, maybe it will be an avenue that Ange Postecoglou looks to go down during this or a future transfer window.
Either way, I am sure he will be delighted at Hatate’s contributions so far for the club.
In other news, Former Celtic man on lookout for new coaching role after Bundesliga heroics.
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