Classy Gesture from Former Celtic Star: Kyogo Furuhashi Praises Brendan Rodgers and Sends Heartfelt Message to Celtic Fans
Kyogo Furuhashi, the former Celtic talisman who captured the hearts of the Hoops faithful with his electrifying performances, has once again shown his class with a heartfelt gesture toward his former manager Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic supporters. Despite his struggles since moving to Ligue 1 side Rennes in a £10million January transfer, the Japanese striker took time to praise Rodgers’ managerial prowess and express his enduring gratitude to the Celtic fans who adored him during his three-and-a-half-year spell at Parkhead.
Kyogo’s tenure at Celtic was nothing short of remarkable. Arriving from Vissel Kobe in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou, the 30-year-old quickly became a fan favorite with his relentless work rate, clinical finishing, and infectious energy. Over 165 appearances, he netted an impressive 85 goals, contributing to three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and three League Cups. His knack for scoring in crucial moments, including Old Firm derbies, cemented his status as a modern Celtic hero.
Even after Rodgers returned for his second stint as manager in 2023, Kyogo remained a pivotal figure, scoring 19 goals in the 2023-24 season and 12 in 32 matches during the first half of the 2024-25 campaign before his departure. His decision to join Rennes was driven by a desire to elevate his career and catch the eye of Japan’s national team manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but it left many Celtic fans heartbroken.
Since arriving at Rennes, Kyogo’s journey has been challenging. The sacking of manager Jorge Sampaoli just days after his arrival disrupted his integration, and new head coach Habib Beye has favored other options, including 17-year-old Mohamed Meite and Arnaud Kalimuendo. Kyogo has made only four league appearances, totaling 112 minutes, and was notably left out of the matchday squad for a recent clash against Nantes. Reports suggest Rennes may already be planning to move him on in the summer, with speculation of a potential return to Celtic swirling.
Despite these difficulties, Kyogo has remained defiant, expressing optimism about turning his fortunes around at Rennes. In a recent interview, he stated, “I’m running, hoping that one pass out of ten will be enough. It’s not good for a forward to stop moving there.” His resilience and positive attitude have only endeared him further to fans on both sides of the globe.
In a recent interview with Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports, Kyogo took the opportunity to praise Brendan Rodgers, crediting the Celtic boss for his development during their time together. “Brendan’s ball was incredible,” Kyogo said, referring to Rodgers’ tactical approach that blends high-pressing, attacking football with disciplined structure. “He gave me the platform to shine, and I’ll always be grateful for the trust he showed in me.” This nod to Rodgers’ management style highlights the mutual respect between the two, even after Kyogo’s departure.
Rodgers, for his part, has spoken candidly about Kyogo’s exit, noting that the striker’s desire to test himself in a new league was understandable. However, he also expressed disappointment at not securing a direct replacement in January, with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah stepping up to fill the void. Rodgers’ comments about players needing to be moved on when their commitment wavers sparked some debate, but Kyogo’s praise suggests there’s no bad blood between the pair.
Perhaps the most touching moment came when Kyogo addressed the Celtic supporters directly. In a social media post accompanied by match action shots, he wrote, “Thank you for your support,” a message that resonated deeply with the Parkhead faithful. In his Nikkan Sports interview, he expanded on this sentiment: “The Celtic fans gave me everything. Their passion, their love, their energy—it pushed me to be better every day. I’ll never forget them, and I hope they know they’ll always have a place in my heart.”
This heartfelt message sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, with fans like
@ordinarybhoy
on X reflecting the sentiment of many: “Farewell
@Kyogo_Furuhashi
, it’s been a pleasure to have had you at our club. 165 games, 85 goals and a stack full of honours. You owe us nothing, and we owe you everything… You’ll always be welcome at Celtic Park.”
Kyogo’s struggles at Rennes have fueled speculation about a potential return to Celtic, with some reports suggesting a deal could be struck for as little as £3.5million. Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness called it a “no-brainer” for Celtic to bring back the striker, arguing that Kyogo may have been “badly advised” by his agent to leave in the first place. While Rodgers has remained non-committal, the prospect of Kyogo reuniting with the Hoops—potentially alongside returning stars like Jota and Kieran Tierney
