It’s something of an understatement to say Reo Hatate has made an impression as a Celtic player already, after all two stunning goals in a ‘skelping Glasgow Derby on the back of a cracker at Tynecastle tends to endear a player to the Celtic support. And it appears Celtic’s Japanese maestro is just as taken by the Celtic support as we are by him.
Speaking to Sky Sports Hatate seems genuinely delighted to be given the opportunity to perform at a rocking Celtic Park and as such intends to very much make his mark to ensure both his name and style of play will be remembered.
“The fact that I can play in such a wonderful stadium and atmosphere, is all thanks to the fans. So I would like to do my best to give back to the fans who give all their support to us.
“I also want to keep playing well so I can get my name and playing style to be remembered. I don’t think you need to necessarily compare this feeling to anything else, but being able to experience something entirely new will no doubt help further progress my football career, it was a wonderful experience.”
Both goals scored by Reo Hatate in Celtic’s 3-0 table topping win will long be remembered and although Hatate was delighted to score both it appears the player is able to pick out a favourite, as well as pointing out he was happier to have satisfied his manager and the supporters as much as any personal satisfaction from that second goal in particular.
“Of course, I’m very happy [that I scored twice and got an assist]but I’m more pleased that I managed to live up to the expectations of both the manager and the team. It made me feel that I was already part of the team.
“I’m happy that I scored goals in the first place but I particularly like the second goal, I like how I found the open space and ran towards it. As I always want to be in a place where I can pass, dribble or shoot. With the shot itself, I was able to keep my composure as well.
“That’s why I like the second goal the most.”
Hatate is likely to be involved again today as Celtic head to Fir Park and a tough away fixture with Motherwell, and he does so with the manager’s message there is more to come from the player driving him forward and one Hatate certainly agrees with. And as much as he is delighted with his start, the player is keen to acknowledge the support he has had from the coaching staff and his teammates along the way and he seems certain he’ll be repaying that support with performances going forward.
“Yes, no doubt, it has been a better start than I expected. However, none of this would have been possible without the support from the manager, staff and team-mates. So I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this football club.
“If the manager says so (that more is to come), I’m sure I can achieve more too. Either way, I will always aim to give my all in every game that I play.”
Reo Hatate has already made himself an instant hero with the Celtic support but there is just as much in his humble nature to admire as anything he produces on the park. That ability to keep his feet on the ground bodes well as Celtic move from 60,000 under the lights and a vociferous Celtic Park to a lunchtime fixture in Motherwell, however you get the impression Reo Hatate will more than handle the change in ambience as it seems Celtic’s new ‘skelper is just getting started.
🟢The reason he’s started so well at Celtic
🟢His favourite goal against Rangers
🟢Why he can get even better this seasonOur exclusive interview with Celtic’s Reo Hatate ahead of Motherwell vs Celtic – live on Sky Sports from 1pm📺 pic.twitter.com/dycRPWzqBF
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 6, 2022
Want to watch the goals again via the Unique Angle?…
I appreciate that you gave a digest so people didn’t have to patronise sky sports. If more people did that, especially in relation to S@n and DR it would be great. Thanks