Shunsuke Nakamura, the former Celtic free-kick specialist, is set to join the coaching staff for Japan’s national team at the World Cup, as announced by the Japan Football Association on Thursday.
The ex-midfielder, renowned for his exceptional ability with set pieces, famously netted a stunning curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.
According to the JFA, Nakamura will be part of coach Hajime Moriyasu’s support team during the World Cup, where Japan will compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.
“I took a lot of time to consider the potential impact my role could have at such a pivotal moment, especially with the World Cup finals approaching,” remarked the 47-year-old.
“However, after receiving an inspiring and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I made the decision to come on board.”
Nakamura earned 98 caps for the Japanese national team, finding the back of the net 24 times, and featured in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
He made the move to Celtic in 2005 from Italian club Reggina and enjoyed a successful spell, winning three Scottish league titles over four seasons in Glasgow.
After retiring in 2022, he took up the role of assistant coach at Yokohama FC in Japan.
“I am dedicated to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they take on the challenges of the world stage, and I will do everything I can to support them in reaching their objectives,” Nakamura stated.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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