Celtic’s new stars’ Japanese goodbyes as Ideguchi says SORRY for performances and Maeda can’t wait to meet ‘the BOSS’
CELTIC new boy Yosuke Ideguchi said SORRY to Gamba Osaka fans for a disappointing final season as he agreed to join the Hoops in January.
And vowed to bring more "power" to the Parkhead side than he managed during his previous crack at European football with Leeds United.
It is thought that a fee of around £850,000 will be paid to bring the international star midfielder to Parkhead.
In a statement on Osaka's official website, he said: "This time, I'm transferring to Celtic FC. I'm sorry I couldn't report directly to the fans, supporters, and people involved in Gamba Osaka.
"I'm really sorry that I couldn't perform well as an individual this season. I don't think so.
"I wanted to help the team as much as possible next season, but at this time I got a talk about the transfer and decided to transfer.
"The first overseas challenge was incomplete combustion. I felt my lack of power because of my regrets.
"This time I will do my best to be active and deliver good news to everyone. I have been indebted to Gamba Osaka for about 12 years.
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"Even in bad times, I was really supported and grew up as a person and a soccer player.
"If I hadn't been in Gamba Osaka, I wouldn't be myself now. I really love this club and it's like a family. I will continue to support you as a fan of Gamba, and I dream of returning to Gamba Osaka someday.
"It's been a long time, but thank you very much. And thank you for your help. "
Reo Hatate reckons it is time for him to "grow" as a man and a player as he joins the Hoops from Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale - and asked the club's fans to KEEP supporting him with Celtic.
His statement read: "I started my professional life at Frontale and played for two years at this club.
"It was a short period of time, but thanks to the director, staff, and teammates, I have experienced a lot. Every day was fun and exciting.
"If I hadn't chosen Frontale when I entered the pros, I think a player in his second year of college wouldn't have had this much experience.
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"I'm really glad I was able to play with this team and I am grateful to all the clubs for their warm welcome.
"I will be playing for a different team next season and I want to challenge myself to grow as a footballer and as a person.
"I would be very grateful if you could keep an eye on me as well as Frontale, and I will be rooting for Frontale to win their third consecutive league title and the ACL."
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Then there is Daizen Maede, the joint J-League top scorer who can't wait to reunite with Ange Postecoglou after their spell together at Yokohama F. Marinos.
He said: "I'm really happy to have been able to play at Yokohama F. Marinos.
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"I am really grateful to my team-mates, coaching staff, and reinforcement people for understanding my desire to take on the challenge again overseas.
"I'll do my best to give you a good report, and I'm going to visit the BOSS!"
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