Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo Furuhashi's qualities as a striker make him "absolutely perfect" for how Celtic will play this season, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Japan forward, who has scored 54 goals in 83 games since joining the club in the summer of 2021, signed a new four-year deal with the Scottish champions this week.

Daizen Maeda followed his compatriot by also penning an four-year extension two days later, leading to Rodgers hailing the duo's "outstanding" contribution to a trophy-laden spell.

"With Kyogo signing, I've normally had a striker at the top end of the pitch who has pace and is dynamic," Rodgers told Celtic TV.

"His work-rate, his intensity, how he presses the game, and his movement is that of a very top striker. I've spoken to him through video and you just get a sense of his character and mentality."

 

The wee man will stick around for the next 5 years banging in goals domestically and in Europe and will go down as one of the best of the 21st century.

Bookmark this post ye *

 

If he wants, and I still think he’ll be capable, he can play for us till he’s 35 or 36. He doesn’t carry an ounce of lard.

I think he’ll have another contract in him here. Kyogo will terrorise the tramps for many years to come!

Hail Hail.

 

I really really really hope we’ve not put a release clause in these new contracts for maeda and kyogo. Not surprised at all that we’ve offered good renewed contracts, but very surprised both maeda and kyogo have taken them. Was almost sure they’d both be off to either germany or England this summer

 

How did I miss this comment

 

With 54 goals in 83 appearances for Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi has played an integral part in the club’s success over the past two years since his arrival from Vissel Kobe in July 2021.

And earlier this month, the Japanese internationalist delighted Celtic fans by signing a new four-year deal with the club.

The 28-year-old is a hero amongst Hoops supporters, and his post-match celebrations are appreciated almost as much as his goals and the incredible work he does for the team.

And the love the fans have for the player are certainly reciprocated, as Kyogo explained to Celtic TV.

“From children to elderly people, a lot of people are cheering and supporting us,” he said.

'Once I step outside of the house and go into the city, many people talk to me, and at the stadium, all the supporters are cheering us from the bottom of their hearts.'

“And because they are there, we can compete because I want to see their smiles. I work hard to get the win and they are very important to me.”

And of his new four-year contract, Kyogo added: “I’m really delighted, to be honest. I’m happy that it shows how much they value me and want me.

“For the team and for the people who support us, and also for myself, I will continue to improve and to deliver success.”




Next up for the Scottish Treble-winners is a trip to Japan, which will be a homecoming for Kyogo and his fellow countrymen who are also his Celtic team-mates – Reo Hatate, Tomoki Iwata, Yuki Kobayashi and Daizen Maeda, who also recently signed a new four-year deal.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will play two games in Japan – against Yokohama F Marinos on July 19 and Gamba Osaka on July 22.

Not surprisingly Kyogo, who recently earned a recall to the Japan national side, is looking forward to the tour.

“I’m really excited about it and excited to play in front of Japanese fans,” he said. "Many players from Celtic are going so I want them (Japanese fans) to know about us and become our fans.

'Also, many people from Scotland are coming down and I want them to enjoy Japanese culture too.'

“They will be two tough games but if we can deliver what we are working and believing in, then they will be good games and the good results will follow, and we will play with high confidence in ourselves.”

As for the season ahead, Kyogo is looking forward to the challenges in Scotland and in Europe, and also working under a new manager in Brendan Rodgers.

“He’s a brilliant manager,” Kyogo said. “I’m happy to work with him and I would like to return the favour by playing well to get success.

“We need to work hard together to get as many wins as possible. There will be Champions League as well so we need to prepare well in order to have good results this season.”

 

Love the guy to bits. He’s so grounded and he clearly has a huge affinity with the fan base. I’ve said this already, he can play for us till he’s 35 or 36.

He’ll play together with Calmac as long as he wants to be here. He might end up with the same longevity playing for us as Henrik did.

Again I just love the guy.

Hail Hail.

 

What a wee legend.

 

Easily be the best since Henrik by the time he's done!

 

Think this is going to be his best year yet, look at how much Rodgers improved Griffiths all round game his first season…

BR’s strikers are more involved in the play than Ange’s. I’m looking forward to seeing it, because I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.

 

I’m really liking this home kit now my mates a united fan and he got it and it arrived yesterday he was showing me in person I thought it looked class he said he thinks it’s nicest home jersey in years have to say it did look good. The long sleeve looks * though

 

Ttfx

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In English?

 

Absolutely never meant that phone was unlocked in my pocket

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You had me bamboozled ​

 

Yer mate is a Dundee United fan ooft.

 

Man united I’ve only actually one proper mate who actually supports anyone in Scottish football and he supports hibs the rest all only support premier league

 

Brendan saying the shoulder issue is raising its head again and why he was sub vs yokohama

 

Wondered why he wasn't featured much in the Portugal footage