Reo Hatate has been one of the best players in the Premiership this season and he played his part as Celtic clinched the Premiership title last weekend with a 2-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle Park. The result meant that the Hoops were crowned champions of Scotland with four league games still to be played.
Unsurprisingly, the result was followed by celebrations at Parkhead as the team returned to Glasgow. But curiously, Hatate was nowhere to be seen.
That led to a lot of speculation about the reason why Hatate missed the title celebrations at Parkhead. Many even feared that he had reinjured himself, having only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines.
The reason behind his absence during the celebrations at Parkhead seems to have been personal reasons though. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Japanese midfielder said about the matter:
"“It’s not a big deal.“People are reading too much into it.“I had my personal things so I had to be away from the team. But that’s all, nothing else.”"
Hatate explains why he didn’t attend Celtic title party after win over Hearts
Hatate has been one of the best signings that the club have made in a long time. He is definitely a key player and an important part of Celtic’s strongest XI at this point of time.
As a result, the club will be hoping that he remains fit and available moving forward. While league title race might be done and dusted, the season is not over for Celtic.
They have the chance to break a few all-time records, if they are able to finish the season strong. On the other hand, they still have the Scottish Cup final to play as well. The Hoops will take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle next month at Hampden Park.
The focus right now has to be on the weekend though. Ange Postecoglou’s side will travel to Ibrox to take on the Rangers in the final Glasgow Derby of the season.