Bullish Reo Hatate has moved to shut down any talk that he skipped Celtic's title celebrations to secure a transfer away from the Scottish champions.
The rumour mill was sent into overdrive following the victory over Hearts at Tynecastle that secured back to back Scottish Premiership titles for Ange Postecoglou's side. The Hoops star was a notable absentee from the celebrations outside Parkhead as Celtic celebrated their second title success in a row with thousands of fans in Glasgow's east end with some social media transfer sleuths insisting he had went watch Brighton.
Hatate is close pals with Seagulls' star Kaoru Mitoma – with the pair both securing exits from Kawasaki Frontale in the 2021-22 campaign - but the 25-year-old has moved to play down any talk of him walking away from Celtic Park. He insists his focus is not on the Premier League but on lifting the Scottish Cup and securing the Treble for Celtic this term.
Writing for Sportiva, Hatate said: "As the league matches are fought throughout the year, winning the league is a proof of what the players have been doing and working on for the past year. For myself, I was able to contribute to the victory of the team throughout the year, and it gave me a lot of confidence.
"That's a big difference from last season, when he only contributed to the team half of the season, and it's an asset. I myself saw that it was a hot topic in the news because I wasn't there at the celebration party held at Celtic Park after winning the match against Hearts.
"However, I had a plan long before I knew that the match against Hearts would decide the championship, and I had received permission from the club and the manager for a long time in advance. Originally, I wanted to share the joy with the fans and supporters at Celtic Park.
"Sure, I couldn't be there, but my heart was in Celtic Park at that time, and I was in the mood to rejoice with everyone for winning the league. There are still league games left, but there is one more title Celtic can aim for this season.
"The final of the Scottish Cup remains to be played against Inverness on 3 June. Following the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Premiership, I want to win the season firmly and finish this season with the triple crown."
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