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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Kyogo Furuhashi receives glowing Celtic report as gutted Kobe chief rues 'hole that's been created'

Vissel Kobe have invited fans to flock to the stadium to say goodbye to departing hero Kyogo Furuhashi.

The forward has agreed a move to Celtic, with the clubs announcing the deal on Friday morning.

Before joining up with Ange Postecoglou 's squad Furuhashi will play one final match against Cerezo Osaka on Saturday.

And the following day fans will be given their chance to bid farewell before the star takes the next step in his career by moving to the Premiership.

Vissel Kobe have stated they will open their 10,000-capacity South Stand of the stadium to let fans in and they've been urged to come early to show their appreciation.

That's despite the coronavirus situation that's caused the Tokyo Olympics to be played behind closed doors, with fans told to distance and wear masks.

Furuhashi will answer questions from fans, with the club inviting submissions on Twitter.

The club's sporting director, Takashi Hirano, admitted it will prove a huge challenge to replace their talisman.

He said: "No one in this league scored as many goals as Kyogo. He has simply been a wonderful player for us.

"However, we are under no illusions that the hole created by the departure of Kyogo is enormous and will take a very long time to fill."

Furuhashi netted 41 goals in 94 league starts for his club before clinching his big money move to Europe, with Celtic fans desperate to see their new arrival.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season Celtic preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

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