Shunsuke Nakamura has been telling the people of Japan what it means to represent Celtic and what it means to to play For his country. Nakamura was left out of Japans plans for the 2002 world cup and has vowed to make an impact this time round. Ken Arriatochi caught up with the Celt recently and asked him how different a player he is now compared to 2002.
" in 2002 I felt I was a complete player but the manager did not think so. I was upset because I thought I could make a difference to My team. I now realise I was wrong. Playing for Glasgow Celtic has toughened me up and taught me new skills. I now track back more often and have learned how to read the game in a defensive manner. I have also realised the difference that playing for one of the worlds biggest clubs can make and I now know what it feels like to play for the fans instead of just for myself". Nakamura has also told us that the physical edge to the Scottish game can only help him to be a more complete player for his country. We also asked him how long he would be staying in Glasgow but his aide stepped in and diverted the question. We will of course be asking him again.