Kyogo is on a Celtic conversion mission when the Hoops hit his homeland - as he bigged up "brilliant" Brendan Rodgers.
The Irishman will take his side on a tour of Japan this month, which was initially organised under predecessor Ange Postecoglou, who was set for a return to the country he managed in before Glasgow. However, he’s taken control at Tottenham and Rodgers back to take the reins for second time at Parkhead,
Kyogo has been training with former club Vissell Kobe while Celtic are in Portugal for a week of warm weather training. They’ll then link up with their top scorer for games against Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka as they ramp up preparations for the defence of their Treble in 2023/24. And Kyogo hopes he can help turn Japan green and white by capturing the local hearts and minds with strong displays back on home turf, along with compatriots Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
“I’m excited to play in front of the Japanese fans,” he said. Many players from Celtic are going so I want them to know about us and become our fans. Also, many people from Scotland are coming down. I want them to enjoy Japanese culture too.
“I’m really delighted to represent Celtic. I’m hoping to show what we are working on during the pre-season. And more importantly, we will try to get the results. We will work hard to get a win. I think it will be tough games. But if we can deliver what we believe and are working on, then it will be good games and the good results will follow. I will play with high confidence.”
The new boss adds a different dynamic to celtic this season. Doubts over whether Kyogo would be tempted away were quashed after he put pen to paper on a new four-year deal. That shows the faith Rodgers and the club have in him, and he’s keen to pay them back.
Speaking of his new contract, Kyogo told Celtic TV: “I’m delighted to be honest. I’m happy that it shows how much they evaluate and need me. For the team, the people who support and eventually myself, I will continue to improve and deliver the success. He (Rodgers) is a brilliant manager. I’m happy to work with him and I would like to return the favour by playing well with success.”
The 28-year-old admitted that the fans also played a part in his decision to commit his future to the champions. And he wants to make them happy after unwavering support.
He added: “From children to elderly people, a lot of people are cheering and supporting us. Once I step outside of my house and go to the city, many people talk to me. At the stadium, the supporters are cheering for us from the bottom of their hearts. Because they are, we can compete. I want to see their smiles.
READ NEXT:
