Kyogo Lifts Lid on Bizarre Paddington Mascot Interaction

With no international commitments over the off-season, Celtic hitman Kyogo Furuhashi enjoyed his summer back home in Japan.

The striker got some much-needed downtime after appearing in every single Game for the Hoops last campaign.

It appears the rest has served Kyogo well because he has come back firing in pre-season, scoring four goals in two matches. The 29-year-old puts his recent form down to hard training sessions.

Kyogo was coy when recently asked about his goalscoring targets for the new campaign, but he spoke widely about his retreat to Japan.

He reunited with his family and friends and even got to visit one of his old teams, FC Gifu.

Brought out just before one of their recent Games, Kyogo was surprised to be alongside a Paddington bear mascot.

“I was part of the kick-off ceremony at FC Gifu – with Paddington!”, he said (RecordSport).

“I didn’t know what was happening beforehand. I just came out and they told me what was going on. It was interesting! I’ve faced a few challenges but that was a new one. It was nice to see those places and people again.”

Highly thought of in his homeland, Kyogo’s successes at Celtic are respected and greatly recognised by Japanese Football fans.

The vivacious frontman will look to provide more memorable moments both to Celtic and his supporters back home in the new season.