No chance to say goodbye to our little Japanese genius

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·27 gennaio 2025

No chance to say goodbye to our little Japanese genius

Like many other Celtic supporters, it’s annoying me that we didn’t give Kyogo the farewell he deserved…

Kyogo signs for Rennes. Photo Rennes FC

Kyogo today finalised his move to Rennes, and despite the high of bringing Jota back home, it still hurts to wave goodbye to the little Japanese genius.

OneFootball Video

Footballers come and footballers go

Footballers come and footballers go, that’s the reality of this game, but some departures hurt more than others, and Kyogo’s departure is one of those that’s will have us chopping onions.

We all know the economics of the club when it comes to player trading model, and especially since Kyogo made it clear he wanted to try something new, we understood the decision to let him move on, but we all feel like we’ve been denied the opportunity of giving him a proper send off.

Kyogo celebrates with the cup after the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Similar to Scott Brown, who called time on a successful Celtic career albeit in different circumstances due to the effect of Covid, Kyogo was denied the chance of a proper farewell by the grateful Celtic support.

Kyogo deserved a proper Celtic send-off

A full Celtic Park on their feet giving him a rapturous applause, that’s what Kyogo deserved. He got one on Wednesday night as he was subbed off against BSC Young Boys, but that was just a recognition of his effort during the game, and if we knew then it was to be his last appearance it would’ve been a lot more rapturous and emotional that’s for sure.

Kyogo collects the ball after Greg Taylor’s goal during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Haste ye back Kyogo

Hopefully Kyogo will get the chance to return to Celtic Park in some capacity in the near future so that we can let him know how much his efforts were truly appreciated. The Champions League play-off match would be an ideal occasion as Rennes are not involved in European football.

Regardless like every other Celtic supporter I know, I wish Kyogo nothing but the very best.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy