Shunsuke Nakamura recalls top five Celtic moments as Strachan's golden boy lifts lid on return to 'second home'
Japanese playmaker looks back on his top five favourite Celtic goals after being left ‘overwhelmed’ on his return to Glasgow
Shunsuke Nakamura’s return to Celtic Park on Saturday served as a reminder of a special connection that has never waned after more than two decades.
The Japanese midfield maestro - who retired from professional football in October 2022 at the age of 44 - was back in Glasgow on media duties for Japanese television last week ahead of the Blue Samurai’s international friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park as both nations kick-started their pre-World Cup preparations.
‘Naka’ took time out of his schedule to make a special visit back to Glasgow’s east end and was reunited with former team-mate Neil Lennon, who spoke fondly about his skills and technical ability as a player.
The warm reception he received from supporters around the city was a reflection on the impact Nakamura made during his four-year stay at the club under Gordon Strachan.
Nakamura also caught up with current Hoops full-back Kieran Tierney after a Scotland training session as the pair reminisced about their memorable first exchange at Parkhead, when the playmaker gifted Tierney a pair of his match worn football boots.
Commenting on return to Scotland, Nakamura admits he was left blown away by those who greeted him. He stated: “I have to say I was over overwhelmed by the welcome I received on my return to Glasgow. The welcome was more than I expected and people called out to me wherever I went.
“I was delighted to meet Kieran Tierney again and thrilled that he has reached the very top as a player. Celtic Park was exactly how I remember it. There were some renovated parts, but it was nostalgic for me. I was happy that my captain Neil Lennon came to see me as a surprise.”
As part of an exclusive interview with Celtic TV, Nakamura was asked to reflect on his most memorable moments as a Celtic player. Here, he discusses he top five favourite goals scored:
Free-kick vs Manchester United at Celtic Park - November, 21st, 2006
“This Manchester United game at home, maybe this was a free-kick. Still people are talking about this goal, even after 20 years. That just shows how much football means to the fans.
“In this game, I was marking Cristiano Ronaldo all the time so this was my only opportunity to show something. I think to myself how the ball went into the net was surprising. Even after the game, Strachan asked how I scored from that distance - it was a very good goal.
“It’s actually really difficult from this distance, but the ball was put on the foot really well and all the fans and the atmosphere probably helped to score the goal. It went perfectly. I got the player of the year in that season,”
Free-kick vs Kilmarnock at Rugby Park - April, 22nd, 2007
“The second one is against Kilmarnock in added time. I scored this and we won the league. From my impression, I scored a lot of goals against Kilmarnock. This one was towards the end (of the match) and I was aiming for the near side and went to the far side.
“After scoring the goal, I took off my shirt - it’s the first and last time in my career that I had done that. I think I was really emotional and really happy to score that goal.
“I remember the Japanese commentator was saying I was crying when I covered my face. It was the first time in my career that I had jumped into the crowd and taken off my shirt. Look at Strachan’s celebration... I was really happy to play under this manager.”
Thunderbolt vs Rangers at Celtic Park - April, 16th, 2008
”The games against Rangers were played at a high intensity every time. This was my first time scoring against them. After I controlled, the ball was bouncing and I cut across the ball so it went to the outside. I was practicing that and scoring that type of goal (in training), so I was really happy to score such a big goal.
“In the newspapers, it was written that I didn’t really score against Rangers. So in terms of that, it was a special one for me.
“We then got the penalty kick for handball, which their goalkeeper saved. But then we scored another goal and won 2-1. Winning against Rangers was always special and I remember just being really happy to score.”
Free-kick vs Manchester United at Old Trafford - September, 13th, 2006
“This one was the first game in the Champions League. We started off against United at Old Trafford away from home. It was my first time scoring in the competition and from a free-kick, so I was very happy with that.
“The way the ball went over the wall was really good. The wall didn’t jump, so it flew into the net. Obviously, one of the main reasons I came to Celtic was to play in the Champions League.
“I didn’t really strike the ball that well, but (Edwin) Van Der Saar probably didn’t know me. So the distance to the ball I shortened and the timing was different to what he was maybe expecting. With this goal, I think I got more confident.”
Hat-trick vs Dundee United at Tannadice - October, 14th, 2006
”This game against Dundee United I scored a hat-trick in. I wasn’t really performing well, so I thought I would definitely be substituted. But I scored the first goal before half-time, so it helped me.
“I just wanted to play well with a different kind of striker that day. For the second goal, (Jiri) Jarosik competed for the ball from the second ball and I score the goal. I’m not the type of player who scored a lot, so to score two goals was quite rare for me.
“For the third goal, I just went through their defensive line and Jarosik gave me a good pass. Obviously, all my team-mates were really good and I got a lot of help from them.”
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