Kyogo Furuhashi has revealed his ambitions to be remembered as popular Celtic as fellow countryman Shunsuke Nakamura.
Since arriving at the club last summer from Vissel Kobe, the striker made a huge impact and was warmly taken to every Celtic fans heart.
After a terrific first season which saw the Japanese striker bag 20 goals in 33 appearances, he is already looking as to what comes next.
One of the things he noticed not too long after he arrived in Glasgow was the admiration which Nakamura still receives from Celtic supporters all those years after the player had departed the club.
Nakamura who is still playing at the age of 43 was hailed during his time at Celtic under Gordon Strachan as the player always came up with the big moments which helped contribute to the success of three league titles in a row.
“In the beginning, every time I met a fan, they would say, ‘Shunsuke, Shunsuke! and what Shunsuke has built here is truly amazing. But I didn’t feel so much pressure to be compared. I am just me, and my playing style and position are different from Shunsuke’s,” said Kyogo speaking to [Number Web].
“If I continue to be myself, I will be able to build on the same foundation. And I think that many people will have an image of Kyogo Furuhashi. I want to create an environment that is easy for other Japanese to enter when they come back.
“Celtic has a strong impression of Shunsuke and Mizuno, so I have to do my best not to ruin the image of those two. There were great players who played here, so I will do my best to live up to their name. By doing so, I will create an environment that will be easy for other Japanese to enter when they come back. I want to make the local fans think that Japanese people are great.”
Kyogo is already becoming a real fans favourite and there is no doubt that if the 27 year old can come up with some goals in the Champions League he will all but cement his legacy at Celtic.
With the World Cup set to kick-off in late November, Kyogo will be looking to make an impact early on in the season to guarantee his selection.
There will likely be many Celtic supporters across the globe who will be backing Japan at the tournament as they face off against Germany, Spain and Costa Rica.
