REVEALED: KYOGO WANTED TO LEAVE

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BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed Kyogo Furuhashi wanted to LEAVE Celtic as his move to Rennes neared conclusion, as CQN reported earlier today.

As Hoops fans pondered the wisdom and timing of allowing the prolific striker to quit the champions following his 85 goals in three and a half years, the Parkhead gaffer answered some questions.

Rodgers, who confirmed former fans’ favourite Filipe Jota was on his way back to Glasgow, lifted the lid on the sensational departure of the Japanese international frontman for a fee of around £8.5million.

THE FINAL FAREWELL…Kyogo Furuhashi holds aloft the Premier Sports League Cup as Celtic celebrate their penalty-kick shoot-out triumph over Rangers at Hampden last month.

The team chief said: “He was one of our top players and someone who fit perfectly into how we want to play.

“Kyogo had expressed an interest to leave a number of months back and then that expression becomes stronger and then it comes to the stage where he wants to leave.

“Sadly, we have to then do a deal and look to finalise that for him. He has been an incredible player for the club. He is not someone we wanted to lose.”

Rodgers, speaking to STV, continued: “He has obviously travelled for a medical and that will probably be confirmed I would say in the next 24 hours.”

THE FINAL FAREWELL…Filipe Jota with the Scottish Cup in his last game for Celtic in the 3-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at Hampden in June 2023.

Discussing the return of flamboyant Portuguese winger Jota who left the Hoops in a record-equalling £25million switch to Saudi Araba in July 2023, the manager added: “Likewise, it is not finalised yet.

“But, clearly, he is a player who would be an incredible addition to our squad given what he has done before and his qualities.

“Hopefully, we can confirm that in the next 24 hours.”

Jota’s spell at Al-Ittihad was brief and unhappy and he joined Ligue 1 side Rennes last summer.

However, the little wizard of the wing, who cost Celtic £6million from Benfica in a permanent switch in June 2022, couldn’t settle in France and was eager to get back to Parkhead.

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