Celtic hero Kyogo is determined to build a Parkhead legacy to last after being blown away by the love on show for Shunsuke Nakamura.
The 27-year-old has been a roaring success in Glasgow and already compares favourably to the free-kick maestro who thrilled punters 15 years ago. And Kyogo admits Nakamura was the name on every supporter's tongue upon arrival as they raved about the man who was a smash-hit during Gordon Strachan 's tenure – which included three consecutive league title triumphs.
The former Parkhead star still has Celtic on his mind and met up with fellow Japanese star Reo Hatate to share stories about life starring for the Scottish Premiership champions. And Kyogo admits he doesn't feel extra pressure in trying to live up to a player who made a telling impact in European football, en route to two trips to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Speaking to Number Web, he said: “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.
“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.” It's a major season for Kyogo as he aims to star at the World Cup with Japan while also making waves in the Champions League with Celtic.
