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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Mark Walker

Why Shin Yamada chose Celtic transfer as he reveals 'ultimate ambition'

New Celtic striker Shin Yamada has revealed he opted to move to the Hoops because his dream is to help Japan win the World Cup.

Celtic have completed the signing of the £1.2 million, 25-year-old from Kawasaki Frontale and he gave his farewells to his Japanese club this week.

He made his international debut for Japan last week in the East Asian E-1 Championship with his nation picking a home-based squad.

And after his final appearance for his club in the Emperor's Cup match against SC Sagamihara, Yamada revealed why he chose Celtic.

He said: "My ultimate ambition is to play for Japan at the World Cup next year and help us win the trophy.


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"And I thought my best chance of having an opportunity of doing that would be to transfer overseas. It was my own decision.

"Playing for this club for the final time was strange because I have felt nothing but warmth and it had become a part of my life for the last two-and-a-half years. It hasn't really dawned on me yet that it was my last game, but I felt the love from the fans.

"I made my debut for Japan recently and now I am aiming for further growth in my career in my new environment.

"I understand I need to improve my overall game at my new club. I don't want to set a target for how many goals I will score, but I know I need to score more goals."

Yamada has managed just two goals in the J League this season, with his last one coming back in March.

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