Tomoki Iwata is dreaming of following in the footsteps of his idol Shunsuke Nakumara as soon as he’s fit enough to play for the fans who have already given him goosebumps.
Celtic ’s latest signing was knocked out by the reception he received at half time on Saturday as he was paraded in front of a full-house in their 2-0 win over Kilmarnock but admits he won’t be ready to face the same opposition at Hampden in this weekend’s Viaplay Cup semi final. But as the club’s deal-brokers were reportedly in London trying to thrash out a £3m agreement with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors technical director Ji-Sung Park for South Korea’s World Cup striker Cho Gue-Sung, Japan international Iwata is already in the building and desperate to get started.
The midfielder admitted, however, that having been out of action since the end of the J-League season in November, he’ll have to be patient. Iwata said: “I think I will need more time. I got goosebumps on Saturday. I was really surprised by the atmosphere, which you cannot experience in Japan.
“To play in that atmosphere will be the greatest thing. I would like to play on that pitch as soon as possible. I want to have my perfect form soon, and of course, we do not have time to waste. I would like to improve my condition as soon as possible and show my fitness to everybody.”
The 25-year-old, signed initially on loan from boss Ange Postecoglou ’s former club Yokohama Marinos, admitted he was aware of Celtic long before countrymen Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda’s whirlwind introduction to Scottish football. He added: “Of course, I knew about Celtic from the times since our legend, Shunsuke Nakamura, was playing for the club.
“Since I was little I have been aware of Celtic and watching games. So I have known about the club for a long time. Shunsuke is a player I would like to imitate. For example, with free kicks.
"I’m right-footed but I try to kick with my left foot, too. He is my example to follow. He was a really good player in terms of his touch on the ball.
"He was someone who always tries to make a difference in games with the ball at his feet. I think he was also an example to follow in terms of making young Japanese players believe they could come to Europe and play in the Champions League.”
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