If there was ever to be a grand debate of who was the greatest free-kick taker of all-time in football, Celtic fans would find it difficult to pick anyone but Shunsuke Nakamura.
On this day in 2005, Shunsuke Nakamura signs for Celtic. What an unbelievable talent he was. The free kick master. Scored some unbelievable goals. pic.twitter.com/GLullr7RAF
— CelticLisboa (@CelticLisboaa) July 28, 2019
The 41-year-old attacking midfielder, who is still playing professional football for Jubilo Iwata in the J1 League in his native Japan, left a lasting impact during his time in Glasgow for his set-piece ability and achievements with Celtic, where Nakamura won three league titles with the Hoops.
The former Celtic cult hero signed for the club on the 29th July 2005, and supporters of the Scottish Premiership title holders have taken to social media to reminisce about Nakamura’s time with the Hoops, and talk about just how good the Japanese midfielder was at free-kicks.
Here is what some fans had to say about Nakamura…
Loved Strachans phrase of praise saying “Good players can play well but great players can produce that something special when its really needed!” .. summed up Naka
— Electronic Tims (@ETimsNet) July 28, 2019
The free kick against Manchester United at Parkhead in the Champions League is my favourite Hail Hail
— Barry Duffy (@BarryDu23247311) July 28, 2019
Some player
— kevando (@kevinst79443971) July 28, 2019
Absolutely outstanding player. Loved wee Naka
— Faz Balty (@Fazbhoy) July 28, 2019
Has there ever been a better or more potent free-kick taker in Scottish football?
— James Anthony (@Jimsthename77) July 29, 2019
Simply incredible
— St Paulie (@PaulDeehan) July 29, 2019
I believe he is one of the top ten players to have played for the club in last 50 years outstanding talent
— Ian Campbell (@cambybhoy) July 29, 2019
Having seen tv highlights of an early Naka game, a Rangers supporter mate of mine declared “you’ve only signed him for Asian tv exposure”.
I smiled broadly and said “just wait and see how wrong you are!”— Tenacious D (@johndelaney67) July 29, 2019
Nakamura made 166 appearances in total for Celtic, scoring 34 goals for the Hoops across four seasons, with his goal against Manchester United in the Champions League arguably one of the Hoops most famous goals in the 21st century.
