Japan has helped produce some iconic Celtic players.
There are two thriving right now in Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, but the most iconic one of them all was Shunsuke Nakamura.
Just like his fellow countryman, you could watch 2007 Ballon d’Or nominee Nakamura work his magic all day and Celtic fans were blessed to have witnessed his greatness.
It would be a great debate to be had as to who the Celtic Park faithful view higher because, someone like Maeda, is certainly making himself known.
The 27-year-old has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season, including four strikes in the Champions League.
Maeda is heading towards Player of the Year and he was recently lauded by Nakamura.
Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura has a special message for Daizen Maeda
From that winning penalty in the League Cup final to his strike against Club Brugge, the season isn’t even up yet and Maeda has already produced many magical moments.
That’s why the all-action forward had a special message from Nakamura, who stated that he has been ‘hearing a lot about your great success this season’, even from Japan, as he told Sky Sports Football (16/05/25 at 11:50 am).
Nakamura also told Maeda to continue to score more goals and lead the Hoops to more titles.
“Hi, this is Shunsuke Nakamura. It’s been a long time, Daizen. I’ve been hearing a lot about your great success this season, even here in Japan,” stated the Celtic legend.
“Please score more goals and please lead Celtic to the league title. I wish you the best and success in the national team too. I will be following your performance from Japan. Keep up the good work.”
Maeda responds to Nakamura’s praise
It would have been some sight to see Maeda and Nakamura link up because they would have been some partnership.
Responding to Nakamura’s praise, Maeda explained how he is someone who paved the way for players like him from Japan to now succeed at Celtic.
Hopefully, in many more years to come, what Maeda has said about Nakamura, will also be said about the man himself.
“He’s done very well at Celtic, and because of Shunsuke, Japanese coming to the club became more acceptable for the fans and supporters,” responded Maeda.
“For us, he is a really important figure. Yes, I felt that and now, if we can be like him, then there might be another Japanese player. We are in the position where he used to be, so I also want to be that important figure.”
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