Reo Hatate has delivered an emotional farewell message to Celtic supporters after his permanent move to Burnley, thanking the club and insisting: “I will not say goodbye.”
The Japanese midfielder brought a four-and-a-half-year spell at Parkhead to an end after making the move south, and posted a lengthy Instagram message reflecting on his arrival, the difficult moments and the backing he received from the Celtic support.
Hatate wrote: “First of all, thank you so much for four and a half years.
“Moving to Celtic was one of the biggest and most exciting challenges of my football career. It was my first move overseas, and I didn’t know anything about what was waiting for me.
“But when I stepped onto the pitch at Celtic Park for the first time, saw the stadium fully packed, and heard You’ll Never Walk Alone so soooo loud like the ground was shaking, I got goosebumps all over my body.
“And I thought like, ‘ok, I’m going to give everything I have to this club.’
“I still remember that feeling as if it happened yesterday.”
The 28-year-old admitted that not every moment of his Celtic career went to plan, but said the fans remained a constant source of support.
He added: “During these four and a half years, of course, not everything went well. There were times when I couldn’t get the results I wanted, and I almost lost heart.
“But no matter what happened, whether it was raining, snowing, whether we were winning or losing, the fans always came to Celtic Park and pushed us forward with everything they had.
“You were always there. Because of your support, I was able to get through so many difficult moments.”
Hatate also explained that his time in Glasgow had deepened his appreciation for the game and intensified his ambition to improve.
Read more
-
Celtic confirm the loan signing of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone
-
Nicolas Kuhn seals loan move back home after dismal first season post-Celtic
He said: “Playing football for Celtic made me realize again how much power football has. And being able to play football in front of you guys made me feel that from the bottom of my heart.
“At the same time, these periods here also made me strongly feel that I have to improve more and more as a professional footballer, and become a big player.”
The former Kawasaki Frontale man thanked Celtic, his team-mates and the supporters as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
Hatate continued: “Once again, I want to thank Celtic FC, this beautiful and legendary club, for giving me this opportunity and this environment.
“I also want to thank all my teammates who fought together with me, supported me, and inspired me.
“And of course, I want to thank every single one of you, Celtic Family, who always supported the club and supported me.
“Now, a new journey begins.
“I will take all the precious experiences and beautiful memories I got here at Celtic, and all the support from the fans who have always been by my side, deep in my heart.
“And I will keep moving forward towards my dream.
“I will not say goodbye.
“See you again.
“Until then…
“Hail Hail.”
