Ex-Celtic star Kyogo breaks silence on nightmare Rennes move as he delivers hint on future

DESPITE their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, it’s been a successful season for Celtic, with two trophies added to the cabinet.

But the fortunes of ex-Hoops ace Kyogo Furuhashi haven’t gone the same way since his exit in January.

The 30-year-old made a bumper £10million switch to Ligue 1 side Rennes near the end of the winter transfer window.

A combination of injuries and managerial changes meant the Japan international began his start to life in France on the bench.

But he never recovered from that rocky start, and ended the season having played just SIX times for Rennes, and without having scored a single goal.

In March, French reports suggested that the mid-table side were planning to REPLACE Kyogo already, with two summer targets lined up.

And last month, Kyogo’s axed former manager Jorge Sampaoli admitted that he DIDN’T have a say in the players bought in the January window, damning the striker’s signing further.

So despite his current boss Habib Beye insisting that Kyogo is an ‘integral’ part of his squad, all signs pointed to a summer exit for the Celtic hero.

But his latest interview has offered an insight into Kyogo’s immediate plans.

He’s currently on his post-season holidays back in Japan, and was spotted catching up with former Vissel Kobe teammate Hotaru Yamaguchi.

Speaking to Japanese outlet Excite, he expressed his happiness at seeing his friend – as well as looking ahead to what the rest of the summer has in store for him.

Kyogo said: “I was happy to get to meet someone I wanted to see while on the off-season and I was looking forward to seeing him play.

“I’ll do my best, too, when I am back playing in pre-season.”

Whilst it’s possible that a summer move is still on the cards, it sounds as if the Japanese is still focused on being a success with Rennes.