Former Celtic free-kick expert Shunsuke Nakamura will be joining the coaching team for Japan’s World Cup squad, as announced by the Japan Football Association on Thursday.
Nakamura, famed for his exceptional skills in set-pieces, famously scored a stunning curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.
The JFA stated that Nakamura will be part of coach Hajime Moriyasu’s support staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.
“I carefully considered the potential impact my participation could have at this pivotal moment, with the World Cup finals approaching rapidly,” the 47-year-old remarked.
“However, after receiving an inspiring message from Moriyasu, I felt compelled to accept the opportunity.”
Nakamura earned 98 caps for the Japanese national team, netting 24 goals, and took part in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments.
He moved to Celtic in 2005 from the Italian club Reggina and collected three Scottish league titles during his four-year stint in Glasgow.
He announced his retirement in 2022 and subsequently became an assistant coach at Yokohama FC in Japan.
“I am dedicated to aligning with the vision of the Japan players as they compete on the global stage, and I will do everything in my power to assist them in reaching their aspirations,” Nakamura stated.
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