Shunsuke Nakamura is one of the finest strikers of a dead ball in modern football history. His name is not out of place with the likes of David Beckham or Juninho when talking of the great free kick takers. As Celtic fans we were lucky to witness that first hand, as the Japanese star found the net against Manchester United twice and delivered a famous title clinching goal at Rugby Park in the mid 2000s.
Nakamura was more than a dead ball specialist though. Indeed, he had remarkable technique, an array of different goalscoring abilities and was a national icon in Japan.
Incredibly, Gordon Strachan managed to secure the player for a reported £2.5m fee from Reggina in 2005. He went on to win three titles, a Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups at the club. During this period, he was named Scottish football’s player of the year once and showcased his talents in the Champions League last 16 twice.
Someone has compiled a video of nearly all of Shunsuke Nakamura’s goals and assists for Celtic between 2005-2009.
Sublime viewing! https://t.co/9teX4GkEQO pic.twitter.com/4JIAYh51mB
— Stevie🟢⚪️ (@stevieblock102) January 14, 2022
Naka was a firm fan favourite, who gave us multiple memorable moments. It thus came as a great disappointment when the club allowed him to leave for Espanyol in 2009, before he went on to Yokohoma F Marinos, Júbilo Iwata, and Yokohoma FC.
A hero in his native land, where he has won both domestic and international trophies, Shunsuke finally called time on his career this week at the age of 44. He enjoyed 26 years in the professional game and will go down as both a Celtic and Japanese footballing great.
We wish him all the best in his retirement.
Naka still never made it int the all time 10 team mates Kenny Mm iller played with.Funny that given he was a country mile better midfielder than anyone KM had played with .Kenny scared to offend the hordes here methinks.Either that or he’s a rank bigot himself.One or the other