Celtic talisman Kyogo Furuhashi is enjoying some well-deserved time off following another successful campaign at Parkhead.
The 29-year-old registered 19 goals and five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24, playing his part as the Bhoys claimed Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup glory [Transfermarkt].
Last week, we reported that the Japan international has been spending some time back in Japan over the close season. He attended FC Gifu’s J League 3 match at home to Numazu, answering a small selection of questions while at the home of his first professional side.
Intriguingly, when asked about his future, Furuhashi admitted that he would like to stay abroad for as long as possible before contemplating a return to his homeland. Hopefully, that can be at Celtic!
Now, he has shared some further insight into his visit to Gifu in an emotional post on social media.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s emotional post on Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Furuhashi posted a lengthy message of thanks to his former club, citing the importance of Gifu to his football career and how his old side motivate him to keep working hard and delivering success.
Accompanying a selection of pictures from his visit, he wrote (translated via DeepL): “I visited Nagaragawa Stadium on 8 June! The place where I started my professional football career. It was a very emotional day for me. Gifu is an important place in my football life.
“And the fans who still support me, the warmth of the fans and supporters who still cheer me on gave me the strength to keep working hard. I was happy to meet so many people. Thank you very much for coming. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people from FC Gifu, and many other people involved in the event, thank you very much for making it such a wonderful time.”
It is brilliant that Furuhashi can reconnect with his past at Gifu, who will have a fanbase who are passionate about his footballing ability, just like the Celtic support.
Having time to reset during the break is important and can be a vital tool in helping players re-energise ahead of preparing for a new campaign with fresh inspiration.
Hopefully, Furuhashi can arrive into 2024/25 fit and firing as the Bhoys plot further silverware under Brendan Rodgers.