Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan delivered a touching tribute to former Hoops star Shunsuke Nakamura upon his retirement from the game.

Football – Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Bank of Scotland Premier League – Celtic Park – 06/07 – 29/4/07
Shunsuke Nakamura – Celtic celebrates winning the league with trophy
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl Recine

It was the Aberdeen legend who brought the Japanese star to the Hoops way back in 2005 from Italian side Reggina for a fee believed to be around £2.5 million.

The former Japanese international paid that back and more as he instantly became a standout player under Strachan who led the Hoops to three titles in a row, becoming the first manager since Jock Stein to achieve the feat.

If you were to ask any Celtic what there favourite Nakamura moment was during his four years in Glasgow many would instantly say his breathtaking free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League on what was a very memorable night. Although his other standout free-kick at Rugby Park to win the title wasn’t too bad either.

Football – Celtic v Manchester United – UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday Five Group F – Celtic Park – Glasgow – Scotland – 06/07 , 21/11/06
Shunsuke Nakamura – Celtic celebrates his goal for 1-0
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith

With Nakamura hanging up his boots at the grand age of 44 having recently played for Yokohama FC, a number of tributes poured in for his final press conference with his former Celtic boss not missing out on the occasion.

“Good day everyone, and especially to Naka. Congratulations for an incredible career. A career I was lucky to be part of and I thank you very much for being part of that. A great player, in my opinion, makes people around them better or great. And Naka certainly did that with his time at Celtic. [@Celticstudio_jp]

“He made me a better manager. Thank you very much for your contribution to my career, everyone who played with you, Celtic Football Club and all the clubs you played with. It’s an honour, enjoy your retirement but please stay in the football game because you’ve got so much to offer. Good luck, best of luck to you and your family. Stay safe, stay healthy. “

“If you use your own criteria, you might not get the message across, or you might not get the best out of it. There may be times when I have to perform, but even at B level (coach licence), I was told, ‘you teach too much because you know the answers’ and I have to make myself aware of it. I still have to learn a lot of things. I try not to create an ideal image.”

It would be great to welcome Nakamura back to Celtic Park one day so that he can once again take the applause of the crowd as he is well deserving of the accolade.

 

 

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