HAYATO INAMURA has been spotted for the first time since being announced as a Celtic player, as he watched his new team in action against Queen’s Park.
The Hoops unveiled the defender as their fifth summer signing this evening.
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Inamura, 23, has joined the Parkhead club on a four-year deal from Japanese side Albirex Niigata.
He revealed the reason behind choosing number 25 as his squad number was to honour former Celt Shunsuke Nakamura – but fans will need to wait a few days at least before they seem him wear the shirt for the first time.
But the player made the short trip across Glasgow with the rest of the squad as they took on Queen‘s Park in their maiden pre-season friendly of the new football year.
Pictures show the player in the stand watching the game at Lesser Hampden, kitted out in a Celtic jacket.
The Hoops took the lead thanks to a first half strike from Johnny Kenny.
Boss Brendan Rodgers said after welcoming the player to Celtic Park: “We’re delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a young player full of promise and potential. I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
Inamura offered some insight into why he chose Celtic and the significance of the number 25.
He said: “Many Japanese players have had success at this club. Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It’s a huge opportunity for me.
“So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level. I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best.
“The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me.
“Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players.”
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