Nakamura staying at Celtic
by Brian Etherson, 04 May 2008
Shunsuke Nakamura has delivered the news that he will be staying at Celtic Park for at least another year and for another stab at Champions League glory.
The 29-year-old Japanese international had the option of another year written into his contract and Celtic have triggered it - extending his stay in the east-end of Glasgow.
Nakamura has made no secret of his intention to return to Japan and play out the twilight years of his distinguished career on home territory and has already named just who that club will be.
“You can never really know what the future holds for you in football from year to year, so I was delighted when Celtic said they wanted me again,” Nakamura said in the Scottish Sunday Express.
“I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve had injuries this year and haven’t had the chance to show my best form, so it’s good to be wanted.
“I want to be here too. I have always said that if I am playing for a manager who can develop me as a player and in an environment where I can improve then I’ll be happy.
“I enjoy life in Scotland and life at Celtic under Gordon Strachan.
“I made a choice to come here three years ago and it proved to be the right one.
“I had offers to play in Spain but I chose Celtic because that was the club that played Champions League football. That’s the level I want to keep playing at.
“Yes in the future I will go back to Japan and I want to go to Yokohama Marinos because I have a strong affinity with that club.
“I started my career there and I want the chance to thank them for all they have done for me in football by going back to play there.”