Oojays_gramKyogo Furuhashi has dropped a stunning revelation about his turbulent final months at Celtic, admitting he came within hours of leaving the club long before his eventual transfer and that only one person, fought to keep him in Glasgow.
In a candid and emotional interview, the Japanese forward revealed how he felt isolated, undervalued, and pushed aside by decision-makers at Celtic Park, despite being widely regarded as the club’s best and most influential player during his time in Scotland.
Kyogo did not hold back when describing the moment he reached breaking point.
“My bags were packed. The passports were out. I was done with Celtic,” he said, reflecting on the heavy tension that built behind the scenes. “It was all over. I felt like the club had already moved on.”
He described Schmeichel as the only voice in the dressing room and at Lennoxtown who urged him to stay, who reminded him of his importance, and who stood up for him privately when club leadership appeared indifferent to whether he remained or left.
“Kasper was the only one who looked me in the eye and said, ‘You should stay. You are too important to this team.’ He was the one who made me think twice. Without him, I would have walked away earlier.”
According to Kyogo, conversations between him and the hierarchy grew colder each week. Discussions about his future lacked warmth, clarity, and respect, leaving him with the unmistakable feeling that he was no longer wanted.
“There was very little communication. Very little respect. I didn’t understand it. I had given everything for the shirt, every season, every match. But suddenly it felt like my time didn’t matter to them anymore.”
“The club showed me little respect… except for one person.”
But amidst the frustration, Kyogo said one person stepped forward when everyone else stepped back Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic’s veteran goalkeeper.
“The club showed me little respect, even though I was their best player,” Kyogo continued. “It was clear they wanted to move me on as quickly as possible… except for one person.”
Sources close to the squad suggest Schmeichel, known for his leadership and strong influence in dressing rooms across Europe, attempted to mediate between Kyogo and the coaching staff during the unsettled period. His presence reportedly offered a rare sense of stability during a chaotic phase in the club.
A Shocking Departure, Years in the Making
Kyogo’s departure from Celtic in 2025 shocked fans, many of whom viewed him as the heartbeat of their attacking play. But based on his new revelations, tensions had been brewing long before he finally left for Rennes and later Birmingham City.
His goal-scoring record at Celtic speaks for itself:
- 116 appearances
- 63 goals
- Multiple trophies and unforgettable derby moments
And before arriving in Scotland, he delivered equally strong numbers with both FC Gifu and Vissel Kobe, where his rise established him as one of Japan’s most dynamic forwards.
But behind the electric performances and fan adoration, Kyogo now admits he felt increasingly isolated from those making decisions at the club.
“I loved the fans. I loved the stadium. But I didn’t feel valued at the end. When a club treats you like a number, not a person, the heart goes.”
A Player Who Gave Everything
Those who watched Kyogo’s time in Glasgow remember his energy, his movement, his clinical finishing, and his relentless commitment. He was a player who played with joy and humility — qualities that endeared him to supporters worldwide. Yet his honesty reveals a darker truth about how quickly relationships can change in football.
Despite the emotional difficulty of leaving Celtic, Kyogo says he has no regrets. He now plays for Birmingham City, continuing his career in England, though he maintains gratitude for the supporters who embraced him.
“The fans were incredible. They gave me more than I ever expected. I will always hold them in my heart.”
Schmeichel’s Influence Highlighted Again
Kyogo’s comments also shine a light on the leadership qualities of Kasper Schmeichel, who played a key role in keeping stability during a volatile period at Celtic. While fans may have assumed the bond between players was universally strong, Kyogo’s account suggests Schmeichel was an exception rather than the rule.
“He was the one who cared. The one who reached out. The one who understood what I was going through.”
What This Means for Celtic
Kyogo’s revelations will undoubtedly spark debate among fans:
- Why was he left feeling unwanted?
- How could such an important player feel so overlooked?
- And how did the situation deteriorate to the point where only one teammate supported him?
For now, Celtic supporters will be processing the emotional depth of Kyogo’s words, while his legacy at the club remains secure even if the ending was far more painful than anyone imagined.
Rasheed
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