Reo Hatate last week posted an emotional farewell to Celtic, whilst past and present teammates also paid tribute to the Japanese international midfielder after his move to Championship side Burnley…
Reo Hatate ended his successful four and half year spell at Celtic this week when he joined Burnley for a fee believed to be worth of £6.5 million plus add-ons. If he plays in the required number of matches and Burnley win promotion to the Premier League then Celtic will stand to make around £9m from the deal according to Sky Sports.
There’s been a significant change in personnel at Lennoxtown this summer as Martin O’Neill welcomes ten new arrives with around 18 departures including the January loan signings, none of whom were retained.
Hatate, Maeda and Engels high profile Celtic exits
High profile exits alongside Reo Hatate were Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Kasper Schmeichel while the incoming ten – including several loans – seem to have more first team starters as Martin O’Neill looks to work with a smaller squad.
In terms of how Celtic will handle these changes in domestic football the signs are good and it’s business as usual for Scottish Premiership betting odds as Celtic remain favourites to retain the title for the sixth successive season and the 15th in 16 years.
Under Martin O’Neill Celtic has won 12 straight Premiership matches in a row dating back to the defeat at Tannadice against Dundee United in March. At the moment Celtic has opened a five points lead over the Rangers with Hearts once again looking like the mostly likely challengers to the Champions.
Reo wanted a new challenge and that’s what he’ll get at Burnley
Reo Hatate was open about wanting to move on from Celtic for a new challenge, and truth be told it was probably best for all parties as it was clear that he had come to the end of his journey as a Celtic player. That doesn’t mean that he has lost any affection for the Scottish Champions.
In fact it is clear from his farewell message posted on his Instagram account that he remains firmly a Celtic man and that he hold the club dear. During his four and half memorable years at Celtic he total played 191 times, scored 33 goals, won five titles, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
Hatate’s farewell message in full
Dear Celtic Family,
First of all, thank you so much for four and a half years.
Moving to Celtic was one of the biggest and most exciting challenges of my football career.
It was my first move overseas, and I didn’t know anything about what was waiting for me but when I stepped onto the pitch at Celtic Park for the first time, saw the stadium fully packed, and heard You’ll Never Walk Alone so soooo loud like the ground was shaking, I got goosebumps all over my body.
And I thought like, “ok, I’m going to give everything I have to this club.” I still remember that feeling as if it happened yesterday.
During these four and a half years, of course, not everything went well. There were times when I couldn’t get the results I wanted, and I almost lost heart.
But no matter what happened, whether it was raining, snowing, whether we were winning or losing, the fans always came to Celtic Park and pushed us forward with everything they had.
You were always there. Because of your support, I was able to get through so many difficult moments.
Playing football for Celtic made me realize again how much power football has. And being able to play football in front of you guys made me feel that from the bottom of my heart. At the same time, these periods here also made me strongly feel that I have to improve more and more as a professional footballer, and become a big player.
Once again, I want to thank Celtic FC, this beautiful and legendary club, for giving me this opportunity and this environment. I also want to thank all my teammates who fought together with me, supported me, and inspired me.
And of course, I want to thank every single one of you, Celtic Family, who always supported the club and supported me.
Now, a new journey begins.
I will take all the precious experiences and beautiful memories I got here at Celtic, and all the support from the fans who have always been by my side, deep in my heart.
And I will keep moving forward towards my dream.
I will not say goodbye.
See you again.
Until then…
Hail Hail
Former Celtic acknowledge Hatate’s contribution
Former teammates then lined up to send the Japanese playmaker their best wishes. Josip Juranovic was one of the first to reply to Reo as he wished him good luck on his new adventure. The Union Berlin man commented: “REOOOO REOOOOO HATATEEEEEEEEE. Good luck brother.”
Former Celts Jeffrey Schlupp and Adam Idah also reacted the news, along with current Hoops stars Alistair Johnston and Sebastian Tounekti.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart cited the rest of the Hoops hero’s song to pay tribute. He commented: “The Celtic get excited when they see him play, it’s strange that this feeling grows more and more, but we’ve never had a player like you before.”
Reo made his Clarets debut against Bristol City at Turf Moor on Saturday. in a 2-1 defeat. We all wish him well for his time in English football.
