Tomoki Iwata has been speaking in Japan about next season at Celtic.
The midfielder joined from Yokohama F. Marinos in January on an initial loan, but with a “compulsory purchase clause” included. (Celtic FC)
Similar to the deal for Daizen Maeda a year earlier, that meant that a permanent summer move was a formality.
Celtic or Marinos are yet to officially announce Iwata’s permanent transfer and that has led to some rumours in recent days that the deal may not be happening.
However, Iwata has been in the Japanese media, as reported by Sponichi.
The interview on TV Tokyo was actually recorded back on Trophy Day, with actor Masanobu Katsumura travelling out to Glasgow to speak to Celtic’s Japanese contingent.
Iwata is quoted as saying: “I’ve got used to it now. But when I first came here, the weather and the pitch were completely different from Japan, so I was a bit confused.
“I think it’s a team with a long history and all the players are of a high level. We are able to play at a good level from practice, so I always enjoy it.
“In the new season, I will be in the Champions League for the first time for me. But it’s meaningless just to play, so my current goal is to get a result there.”
Iwata’s comments should leave no doubt about his intentions for next season.
At the end of May he was totally convinced he’d be part of the Celtic side heading for the UEFA Champions League.
He may have had a good bond with departed boss Ange Postecoglou, but he could hit even greater heights under Brendan Rodgers.
Iwata looked like a player with real ability in his midfield appearances for the club. It will be nice to see him back in training very soon and ready for the new campaign.
In other news, Jota’s departure from Celtic is complete with an announcement imminent, according to a report
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
