1 May 2006(Mon)

Tokyo, April 28, 2006 -- Not many Japanese players can claim to have had a satisfactory or enjoyable 2005-06 season in Europe.

But Shunsuke Nakamura most definitely can.

Which is why I'm puzzled to keep hearing that Shunsuke wants to move to Spain next season rather than stay in Glasgow with Celtic.

I know it's been Shunsuke's dream to play in Spain, but I think he's better off where he is and playing in a winning team which enjoys massive worldwide support.

Let's face it, Shunsuke had a lean time in Italy. He was not a success in his three years with Reggina, and, despite alleged interest from clubs in Spain last summer, he decided to transfer to Scotland.

The move has worked out perfectly for Shunsuke and for his style of football. Playing in a big team in a small league, Shunsuke has flourished in his playmaking role.

With players like Lennon and Keane around him in the midfield, there's not much need for him to tackle back and perform any defensive duties, which is and always will be one of his weak points.

And with the individual quality of the players around him greater than that of Celtic's rival teams, Shunsuke has been able to play his own game -- and look very good in doing so, with plenty of space and time to carve out that defence-splitting pass.

Celtic won the league handsomely, and are guaranteed UEFA Champions League football next season. This should represent a big enough challenge for Shunsuke without the need for him to pack his bags again and try and settle in another new country, Spain.

What will happen if he goes there, to a mid-table team striving for survival against the Spanish giants?

Well, it could end up like Italy, where he was in and out of the team and where his extravagant but fragile skills were often sacrificed for the all-action qualities of a journeyman midfield battler.

Stay in Scotland, Shunsuke.

Enjoy the haggis (I can strongly recommend this traditional, savoury dish to Japanese readers who may be thinking of visiting Scotland...your word "oishi" just does not do haggis justice!)...enjoy the atmosphere and occasion of the Old Firm derby against Rangers...and enjoy playing and winning for a team, remember, that became the first British club to win the European Cup (in 1967, with the famous "Lisbon Lions", beating Inter 2-1 in the final).

Stay in Glasgow, settle your mind, look forward to the World Cup...and, whatever happens in Germany, you'll still return to Celtic a hero and can taste UEFA Champions League action early next season...as well as the haggis.

ends