Hayato Inamura has explained why he made the decision to return to his native Japan on loan, six months after joining Celtic.
Inamura has re-signed on loan at FC Tokyo, where he began his career, for the season after only making one appearance for the Hoops.
Celtic fans were impressed by Inamura in pre-season but his only competitive opportunity came in the Scottish Premiership in August when the Bhoys beat Livingston 3-0.
Brendan Rodgers hinted during his time that the defender wasn’t ready, and the 23-year-old has explained why he had no choice but to go back to Tokyo.
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Hayato Inamura reacts to rejoining FC Tokyo
After the J-League side confirmed his return, Inamura was asked what made him choose to go back to where it all began, and he admitted that his goals align with their project.
He told the FC Tokyo club website: Good evening, FC Tokyo fans and supporters.
“I decided to join this club after thinking about what I need to achieve my goals. I will do my best to absorb various things from great players, both as a soccer player and as a person, and to perform well.
“When I was a member of U-15 Fukagawa, these words, ‘strong and loved,’ were always the image of the players and team we aimed to be.
“We are still far from that, but I will accept my own weaknesses and the disappointment of last year, gain various experiences, and do my best to become that kind of player.”
Celtic could have sourced out a domestic loan for Inamura
Homesickness may have played a part in his decision to return to Japan, which is entirely fair enough.
However, if the Hoops do believe there is a player in there, would it not have made sense to loan him to a fellow club in Scotland?
We have seen how it has helped the likes of Stephen Welsh and Ben McPherson already. A similar move may have made him more prepared to fill the Celtic shirt if called upon.
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