New Celtic midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi has released a statement to the fans of his former club Gamba Osaka after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal in Glasgow.
Ideguchi is one of three signings at the Bhoys today, alongside compatriots Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
The player arrives in Scotland holding regrets from his previous spell away from Japan.
Speaking to the official Gamba Osaka website [translated via Google], Ideguchi said: “This time, I’m transferring to Celtic FC. I’m sorry I couldn’t report directly to the fans, supporters, and people involved in Gamba Osaka. I’m really sorry that I couldn’t perform well as an individual this season. I wanted to help the team as much as possible next season, but at this time I got a talk about the transfer and decided to transfer.
“The first overseas challenge was incomplete. This time I will do my best to be active and deliver good news to everyone. I have been indebted to Gamba Osaka for about 12 years. Even in bad times, I was really supported and grew up as a person and a soccer player.
“If I hadn’t been in Gamba Osaka, I wouldn’t be myself now. I really love this club and it’s like a family. I will continue to support you as a fan of Gamba, and I dream of returning to Gamba Osaka someday. It’s been a long time, but thank you very much. And thank you for your help.”
Ideguchi is primarily a defensive midfielder and will provide competition to the likes of Callum McGregor, Nir Bitton and James McCarthy in that deeper role.
The “incomplete” spell abroad Ideguchi is referencing relates to a difficult period at Leeds United, where he failed to make a competitive appearance.
Spending time on loan in Spain and Germany, the midfielder failed to convince Marcelo Bielsa he could help them with their then promotion push to the English Premier League.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou clearly sees something he likes though and that is where our faith should be placed. With a point to prove, let’s hope Ideguchi can hit the mark in Glasgow.
In other news, The important difference in Daizen Maeda clause and more Celtic contract details after 3 deals done.
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