When you think of iconic Celtic players since the turn of the century, Shunsuke Nakamura has to be right up there. The Japanese midfielder spent three years in Glasgow after signing from Italian side Reggina, and he certainly left a lasting impression.
He was a beloved figure at the club. Arriving at a time when Celtic were in a bit of a sticky patch, he would go on to be a major influence in the side, winning the league in each of this three seasons at Parkhead.
That is not even to mentions the moments of magic he produced. The most fondly remembered is certainly his free-kick against Manchester United, which secured Celtic's place in the Champions League knockout round for the first time.
Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick against Manchester United, November 2006. pic.twitter.com/UZiXtTRUm4
— Celtic Soccer Show (@CelticSoccrShow) May 15, 2019
Nakamura would leave Europe soon after his Celtic farewell, playing only 13 games for Espanyol before returning to his homeland. He would experience plenty of success in the J-League with Yokohama F. Marinos, winning league MVP in 2013.
While you may have assumed his playing days were now behind him, the 98-cap Japan international is still motoring along.
Despite being 41-years old, he has signed for a new club.
Yokohama FC have announced the signing of the player, who recently departed Júbilo Iwata. Yokohama play in the Japanese second tier, and hope Nakamura's experience will be vital in a promotion push.
Shunsuke Nakamura is transferring from Jubilo Iwata to Yokohama FC (J-League Division 2) as announced by both clubs today pic.twitter.com/GjHZCb29tR
— Yuri (@yurixlax) July 11, 2019
Remarkably he will not be the oldest player on the team. In fact, he is over a decade younger than the elder statesman of the side.
Kazuyoshi Miura, a 52-year old striker, signed a new contract with the club as recently as January of this year. He started his career in 1986, the same year as Diego Maradona's famous 'hand of god' goal against England. Christ.
At a combined 93-years old, what the pair lack in pace, they will make up for in experience.
