Kyogo Furuhashi’s class Instagram post after Celtic striker makes commentary bow in Japan

The Celtic squad are enjoying some time off club duties before reporting back to Lennoxtown for pre-season in the next couple of weeks.

Some are on international duty at either EURO 2024 or Copa America; meanwhile, others have been on holiday soaking up some sunshine, though to nobody’s surprise, there hasn’t been much of that in Glasgow recently.

Back to serious matters, Kyogo Furuhashi has been spending time back in Japan following his contribution to another successful season at Parkhead, where he registered 19 goals and five assists in 50 outings across all comPetitions.

The 29-year-old previously made the trip to see his first club, Gifu, in action against Numazu last week before answering a small selection of questions about his career.

Now, he has paid a visit to Vissel Kobe, where he made his debut as a commentator in their 1-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale yesterday and signalled his intention to keep scoring in ‘faraway places’, hinting that any notion of a return to his homeland any time soon is out of the question.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s class Instagram post after commentary bow

Taking to Instagram, Furuhashi has delivered some insight regarding how the experience of commentating alongside Ryohei Hayashi and Emiri Nakagawa went at the National Stadium.

He also reflected on spending time back at Vissel Kobe, stating (translated via DeepL): “On 16 June, I visited the Vissel Kobe vs Kawasaki Frontale match at the National Stadium as a commentator! I was nervous from start to finish as it was my first time to commentate. I couldn’t speak very well, but it was a very good experience. I was very nervous and couldn’t speak very well, but it was a great experience.”

“I am very grateful for the support I received from the people I worked with, such as Ryohei Hayashi and Emiri Nakagawa, as well as all the people involved. Last but not least, although it was at the National Stadium, I was able to meet Vissel Kobe players, supporters and people who always support us in person, which gave me even more inspiration. I will do my best from now on! Thank you for a wonderful time!”

It is refreshing to see Furuhashi enjoying his time away from Celtic as he tries new experiences before returning to prepare for another hectic campaign at Parkhead.

His fellow commentator Hayashi was impressed by the insight he offered in the role, stating [cited via Abema Times]: “He’s a great player, but he’s also a really humble and nice guy. I’ll be cheering for him. Later, he added: “He really showed his polite and sincere personality.”

Hopefully, the Celtic talisman has earned plenty of well-deserved rest during the close season, as he is once again set to be a pivotal figure for the club in 2024/25.