BRENDAN RODGERS has hailed Kyogo Furuhashi as “an unbelievable talent”.
The returning Celtic boss is overjoyed the Japanese striker has signed a new four-year deal at the champions to scupper any speculation he could be going south to reunite with Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.
It was the former Hoops gaffer who brought the 28-year-old hitman, who has collected 54 goals at the club despite missing four months through injury during his debut campaign.
AIR WE GO…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates one of his 34 goals for Celtic last season. Liel Abada is about to join in.
Kyogo arrived as a virtual unknown from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in a £4.6million move and became an instant fans’ favourite with a hat-trick on his Parkhead debut as he led a 6-0 romp against luckless Dundee.
Despite two separate knee and ligament setbacks, he thumped in 20 goals in his first crusade in a new country and he followed that up with 34 last term, including a double in the 2-1 League Cup triumph over Michael Beale’s Ibrox side and the barrier-breaking effort in the Scottish Cup success over Inverness Caley Thistle last month.
Rodgers, speaking to the club website, said: “It is brilliant news for the club. Kyogo is an important player for us, so I am delighted he has signed a new contract.
“Kyogo has thrived since he arrived in Scottish football and has shown his outstanding qualities. In two seasons, he has secured five domestic honours, scored over 50 club goals and become a treble winner.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Kyogo Furuhashi with the Scottish Cup as Celtic seal a historic eighth treble.
“This takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, both on and off the pitch.
“He is an exciting player who is hungry to bring more success to our club. He has a great mentality and is an unbelievable talent.
“I am looking forward to working with him and helping him and the wider team develop to help drive the club forward.”
FOUR-YEAR DEAL SIGNED BY LIFE BHOY KYOGO
