Former Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura has been appointed as a coach of newly promoted J-League side Yokohama FC [Japan Times].
2023シーズンより #中村俊輔 氏が横浜FCトップチームコーチに就任いたしますのでお知らせします。
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— 横浜FC【公式】 (@yokohama_fc) November 25, 2022
The 44-year-old recently hung up his boots after a glittering playing career that included a terrific four year stint in Glasgow under Gordon Strachan where ‘Naka’ as he was fondly known won six major honours including three league titles in a row in a side which was the first to reach the feat since Jock Stein’s Celtic.
Celtic’s Shunsuke Nakamura celebrates scoring the winning goal
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff
Livepic
Hailing from Yokohama, it was only right that the former Japan international finished his playing career with his hometown club having spent the past three years at the side.
He left on a great high as his side gained promotion back to the top tier of Japanese football after finishing second in the J2 and will now work alongside his former boss Shuhei Yomoda who achieved the promotion after his first season in charge.
“I am very happy to go into battle with Yokohama FC again next season,” said Nakamura speaking to Yokohama FC.
“I want to take on the challenge from scratch, trying all sorts of new things and learning through trial and error.”
It was important for a player of Nakamura’s capabilities to continue his career in football after having already expressed a career in coaching.
His 26-year playing career will have taught him valuable lessons in the game which he can pass on to future generations.
Shunsuke Nakamura – Celtic celebrates his goal for 1-0
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
That experience includes a phenomenal 98 caps for the Japanese national side which includes two World Cup tournaments as well as two Asian Cup-winning campaigns.
Everyone at Celts Are Here wishes Shunsuke all the very best.
