Tomoki Iwata has set his sights on taking Celtic to a new level in European football after arriving in Glasgow.
The midfielder has signed from manager Ange Postecoglou's former club Yokohama F. Marinos and is the second star to do so after Daizen Maeda arrived last January. Iwata was unveiled to the fans at Parkhead during Saturday's 2-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock and he is keen to ensure Celtic remain top of the table come May.
Also on his mind is success on the continent, after the current kings of Scotland returned to the Champions League this season, exiting at the group stage but winning plaudits for their playing style. The battler told Celtic TV: "I'm really honoured and I'm really happy to be at a great club such as Celtic and I am just excited. I felt the passion of the supporters. Compared with Japan, the supporters are very passionate and I am really looking forward to playing on that pitch. I would like to give a result to the team and of course become the league champion, and have good results as well in European competition.
"I think at Celtic we can go higher and achieve more in Europe and I would like to contribute to the history of the club. I have been following the Celtic games, especially old highlights as well as checking the result.
"I was playing with Daizen at Marinos, so I was interested in the Celtic results. The team has been winning a lot of games and is first place in the league.
"I think my strong point is stealing the ball and my fitness. I think once I fit into the team, I can contribute to achieve more success.
"My strong point is hard work and in terms of playing style, dealing with balls under pressure and this is what I would like to express, and I also played with the manager in Japan. So I would like to show my play on the pitch."
