As Celtic kicked off a new season, Kyogo Furuhashi is back scoring again with a goal in the first match. There were rumours surrounding his future this summer, but the Japanese superstar went on to put them to bed by signing a new contract. Thus, fans would be hoping he is here to stay for the long run.
Last season was brilliant for the Hoops as they secured a world record eight treble, lifting all three trophies available in Scotland. Expectations will be high for the new season, with a ‘new’ manager in Brendan Rodgers and some squad changes already in place, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Kyogo was the top scorer last season with 34 goals to his name. That helped the Hoops enormously and brought him personal success in the form of Player of The Year awards. He was also rewarded recently with a new four-year contract at the club. Great news for the player and for the fans.
Undoubtedly, there could have been bigger offers from elsewhere for Kyogo. But he appears to be happy in Glasgow.
Kyogo makes beautiful claim about Celtic
As reported by the Daily Record, Kyogo said in an interview in a Japanese magazine:
"“The good thing about Celtic is that the people are really warm. They accept us, Japanese people from a foreign country. Even if you are driving, you will be greeted with a horn from another car.“There was a time in a cafe when the guy who was supposed to be working stopped serving a customer so he could get a picture with me! It makes me happy when I get approached and if the people who approach me smile and it makes them happy, then it makes me even happier.“The stadiums are all frenetic. Everyone from children to the elderly will support you with a tremendous amount of passion. I am grateful that the club needed me enough to sign a new contract. I’m glad that my hard work was appreciated.“But I couldn’t have done it alone, so I can only thank the people around me who really supported me. Now, we will try and win the title again and I want to help by scoring as many goals as possible.“In order to do that, I have to focus more strictly on myself because I can only repay the club and the people around me through football.”"
While Kyogo’s new contract was great news for everyone concerned, inevitably it just delays the questions and discussions about when he might move on and where to. With the SPFL flag presentation and Saturday’s season-opening 4-2 victory at Parkhead against Ross County only just completed, the excitement of upcoming Champions League matches and the ink barely dry on the fresh four-year deal, this doesn’t seem the time for those what’s next questions though.
There is a long season ahead but Kyogo made a great start, with a goal in the opening game. Hopefully, he will carry on in this manner while improving on his performances from last season in the Champions League.