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Nakamura set for Espanyol switch

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Published Date: 22 June 2009
Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is set to join Spanish club Espanyol after Yokohama F. Marinos failed to complete a deal for the former Celtic player, the J.League club have announced.
Marinos officials held a one-hour meeting with Nakamura's agent earlier today, during which they were informed of the player's decision.

"We have been told by his agent that Nakamura has decided to go to Espanyol," Marinos spokesman Masanori Hakamada told PA Sport.

"He said he Nakamura] was in two minds – Marinos or Espanyol – but decided to play in the Spanish League, where he has wanted to go for a long time."

Nakamura looked certain to return to his former club after his contract with Scottish club Celtic expired as the Japan international had talked frequently about moving back to his homeland.

According to Japanese newspaper reports, Marinos failed at the final stage of negotiations which led to Nakamura contacting Espanyol after having previously turned down an offer from the Catalan club, who finished 10th in the Primera Liga last term.

Nakamura, who turns 31 on Wednesday, also felt it would be beneficial for him to play in Spain with next summer's World Cup in mind.

"It is a pity that we couldn't sign him," said Marinos president Masaharu Saito.

"But we respect his decision and hope he will have a productive spell in the Spanish league."

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  • Last Updated: 22 June 2009 10:57 AM
  • Source: scotsman.com
  • Location: Scotland
  • Related Topics: Celtic FC
 
1

,

22/06/2009 11:05:59
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2

His Royal Highness,

Zandvoort 22/06/2009 11:07:45
Goodbye to probably the most over hyped player in SPL history.

Over to you Mizuno.
3

,

22/06/2009 11:15:27
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4

Arthur G,

Glasgow 22/06/2009 11:24:21
So the 'homesick' Nakamura is finally tearing himself away from TGFITW and his' boyhood heroes, then?
Espanyol plays in Barcelona, can someone tell me where in Japan Barcelona is? I've looked in Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku without luck, so it must be in onw of the other 3,ooo islands that make up the Japanese archipelego. I'm the only reason he would leave is to go home, isn't it?
5

Arthur G,

Glasgow 22/06/2009 11:25:41
last sentence should read: "I mean the only reason he would leave is to go home, isn't it?"
6

,

22/06/2009 11:32:46
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7

,

22/06/2009 11:35:58
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,

22/06/2009 11:36:26
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9

,

22/06/2009 11:37:08
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TM voice of freedom and truth,

22/06/2009 11:37:54
Good Luck Naka and thanks for that glorious goal v the Rangers. One of the best ever witnessed in an OF game.

Thanks also for your title winner at Rugby park.

And your winner v Man Utd in the Champions League.

Thanks for the memories Naka and you go with every hoops fans best wishes.

11

TM voice of freedom and truth,

22/06/2009 11:38:24
9 Thanks

Case personified.
12

TM voice of freedom and truth,

22/06/2009 11:38:50
8

and don't you know it!
13

TM voice of freedom and truth,

22/06/2009 11:39:02
Right back to work.

Laters
14

,

22/06/2009 11:43:09
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His Royal Highness,

Zandvoort 22/06/2009 11:49:26
As previously stated, this is a big slap in the face for Celtic. Blue Chip Liewell must be having a fit with those lost jersey sales (he thinks every Japanese kis wants one). Its only "the brand" that matters to him & Reid. this time next year they will both be out on their ears.
Losers!
16

Loki,

Valhalla 22/06/2009 11:51:29
Naka's going to Spain, divers heaven - he will have plenty of opportunities to take free kicks.
Heard he said Scott MacDonald was doing too much diving in the box & not enough outside - maybe that's why he left.
17

C_M_S,

Amsterdam, NL 22/06/2009 12:51:05
How is it a kick in the teeth? Nakamura was leaving anyway; it makes no difference to me if he goes to Spain, Japan or the Moon.

Thanks for the memories, Naka.
18

Rosscobhoy,

22/06/2009 19:49:17
2# If anything Nakamura was under rated. Look at the stats on his time in Scotland, check his pass completion ratio, yards covered, goals scored and goals created. You'll do well to find anyone who comes anything like close. If anything he was too good for Celtic. The amount of times he'd pick up a ball and be forced to hold onto it for 10 to 15 seconds because there was no one running off him was unbelievable.

#4 Naka has always stated his desire to play in Spain. Something that has been well publicised many times in the past. Hardly a kick in the teeth that he has walked away from us to fulfil his ambition. Unlike Nacho Novo, he didn't grow up supporting the team that last paid him a wage.
19

Dún Aenghus,

22/06/2009 20:02:57
#10 TM....... How right you are!
Who will ever forget that goal scored by Naka against the beggars from the scrapyard.It had defiance of gravity written all over it.
Thanks Naka,just for that goal alone.
20

TM voice of freedom an truth,

22/06/2009 21:09:30
Aye it was a memorable moment in the history of the Old Firm games.

God bless Naka.

 

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