KYOGO GEARS UP IN VISIT TO OLD CLUB KOBE
CELTIC talisman Kyogo Furuhashi made a triumphant return to former club Vissel Kobe as he turned out during a training session for his former club.
The 27-year-old enjoyed the same fanfare at Kobe that he’s earned at Parkhead and couldn’t resist putting on his old colours again.
Kyogo didn’t stick to a quick hello but rather put on his old training gear to push the pace during a session.
The striker was spotted with icon Andres Iniesta, with the Barcelona legend a major admirer of his former team-mate.
Iniesta tipped Kyogo for big things before he sealed his move to Glasgow last summer.
Kyogo is to receive applause from the Kobe fans before tomorrow night’s game with Urawa Red Diamonds.
And he said: “I felt very nostalgic and I am very grateful I was allowed to join in with the training. Hopefully I can inspire them, although there are many good players there anyway. I certainly had a lot of fun. I had a good chat with my former team-mates about Celtic and the Japanese national team.
“Of course I am looking forward to attending the game. I am very grateful for the many messages I’ve received since being here and I can’t wait to see all the supporters again.”
Kyogo will have extra time off as he is among the Hoops contingent who turned out for their national teams during the glut of fixtures after last season ended.
The forward finished the campaign with a flurry after a serious hamstring injury cost him four months of his debut season.
Bigger is set to follow as he is set to spearhead Celtic’s attack in the Champions League.
Kyogo is primed to be joined by pal Jota, with the winger on the verge of completing his £6.4million transfer from Benfica. But the chance to star in football’s biggest tournament isn’t fazing him as he lapped up every minute of an emotional return to his former
club.