KYOGO FURUHASHI has revealed to feeling “the best in the world” when the Celtic fans are in full voice and backing their team.
The Hoops’ 27-year-old talisman was writing in his column for Japanese outlet Mainichi about his experiences since the start of his second campaign at Parkhead after his £4.6million switch from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in July last year.
And Kyogo, last term’s top scorer with 20 goals, admits he had “goosebumps” before the Champions League opener against European king pins Real Madrid under the lights in the east end of Glasgow a fortnight ago.
THANK YOU…Kyogo Furuhashi and his team-mates applaud the Celtic support after the loss to Real Madrid.
The pacy frontman was restricted to only 18 minutes against the Spanish aces when he replaced Giorgos Giakoumakis with Ange Postecoglou’s men already trailing 2-0 after a classic double sucker-punch from Vinicius Junior in the 56th minute and Luka Mordric on the hour mark.
Kyogo, of course, had been forced to come off in the fourth minute of the 4-0 romp against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s shell-shocked Ibrox side with a shoulder injury three days earlier and wasn’t risked at kick-off against Carlo Ancelotti’s All-Stars.
The striker informed his followers in the sports journal: “The team will challenge the European Champions League for the first time in five years.
“Their first league match was on the 6th, welcoming champions Real Madrid to the home ground, Celtic Park.
ON SONG…Kyogo Furuhashi leads the delighted Celtic players after the 3-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall last month. Filipe Jota, Matt O’Riley, Aaron Mooy and Liel Abada join in.
“The anthem was played when we entered and it was a great cheer. I got goosebumps at the atmosphere that the supporters created with more power and enthusiasm than usual.
“With that behind you, there is a sense of being the best in the world.”
Kyogo, who is currently with team-mates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda with the Japanese international squad for the World Cup warm-up games against USA and Ecuador in Germany, also played down any lingering concerns over his fitness.
The player has claimed six goals – including a first-half hat-trick in the 9-0 rout of Dundee United at Tannadice – but has fired blanks in the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw last Wednesday and the 2-0 setback from St Mirren in Paisley at the weekend.
OFF TARGET…Kyogo Furuhashi has a shot blocked by St Mirren defender Declan Gallagher in Celtic’s setback in Paisley at the weekend.
Kyogo added: “I was injured in the league match and I caused everyone to worry, but now there is no problem at all.
“I am full of feelings that I want to give back with more goals and victories.”
Fans’ favourite Kyogo missed the best part of four months during his debut crusade at the champions with knee and hamstring problems.
However, it didn’t prevent the lively raider from collecting three goals more than next best Giakoumakis and he has already stated he wants to improve on last season’s tally of 20.
He will get the chance to do that when the Premiership restarts with a game against Motherwell at Parkhead a week on Saturday.
