THE NEW KING ON THE BLOCK
Kyogo loves being likened to legend like Larsson
KYOGO FURUHASHI found himself being compared to Henrik Larsson.
He checked his phone and had messages of congratulations from friends such as Andres Iniesta and Shunsuke Nakamura.
These things meant the world to him after the greatest day in his career.
But, having sealed his sensational start to life at Celtic with the two goals that won the Premier Sports Cup, Furuhashi says none of it would be possible without the strong bond he’s built with boss Ange Postecoglou and the depth of feeling he has for his club, the fans and team-mates.
The Japanese admits he’s stunned to find his finishing and talismanic qualities already compared to those of legend Larsson and said: “I’m very shocked, but happy to hear this.
“Of course I am happy to be compared with Henrik Larsson. Every striker would like to hear that.
“But, at the same time, I just need to focus on growing in my own way and in my own style.”
As for the messages, he said: “Just after we won the cup final on Sunday, I received congratulations from Iniesta and Nakamura.
“They’d sent them first thing on Monday morning from Japan. It’s pleasing for me that they did that and are looking at my progress. It meant a lot to me.”
If that meant a lot to him, it seems minimal compared to what he means to the Celtic supporters.
The Parkhead faithful have warmed to their new star and little wonder with 16 goals in just 25 appearances since his move from Vissel Kobe four months ago.
Hampden cemented his growing status and he said: “It was the best memory so far for me in football.
“Obviously we still have to continue getting on with the season, but for me it was such a great evening. I just went home as usual.
“I spent the evening in a very normal way, but it was really good to celebrate with everybody at the stadium.
“A lot of people had a good evening. I’m just happy to share good news with our supporters.”
Furuhashi has the talent to dazzle fans, but also the workrate and hunger which brings acclaim inside a dressing room.
The attacker can’t yet communicate with his Celtic pals properly yet, but that doesn’t stop him from loving being around them and the city as he settles seamlessly into Glasgow life. Speaking through his interpreter, he said: “I can’t quite describe in words when it comes to the bond I have with the Celtic supporters. “I do believe that it’s very strong. “I’m very grateful for them to accept somebody who has come from Japan to play here. I just want to pay back by playing better in every game and that’s what I intend doing. “I’m very shocked at how strong the bond is between our manager and all my team-mates as there have been a lot of new players this season.
“It’s because of everyone’s support that I’m able to play my best football. I feel very lucky to have that. I’m so happy to be with the people here.
“I really want to communicate with my team-mates, the staff and everybody (in English) so I’m actually studying very hard at the moment.
“I hope to improve quickly. It’s very important. Life in Glasgow has been great so far. It’s really easy to live here and it’s becoming my favourite place to live.
“Unfortunately I can’t go out too much at the moment due to the circumstances but once things settle down a bit more, I would love to explore Glasgow more.
“Right now I am focusing on one game at a time. I’m preparing for the next game with the team so that’s what I’m focusing on at the moment.”
Furuhashi, of course, could have some help in the language department soon with compatriots possibly arriving at Lennoxtown.
Celtic are eyeing moves for Japanese trio Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.
If he does know anything about their arrivals, Furuhashi displayed the same skill as he uses to evade defenders as he said: “In terms of the different players who might be joining, I’m not that sure what’s happening. I’m not too aware of it.
“I just need to focus on my own game. I have to take it one game at a time and focus on my own play.”
Even if Celtic don’t get the deals through, Furuhashi may still meet the likes of Maeda and Hatate next month on national-team duty.
Japan have qualifiers at the end of the month and it is yet to be decided if the striker will miss key Celtic games to play for his country.
Furuhashi admitted: “I’m not sure. I can’t comment on where I’ll be playing next month, I don’t know yet.”