Celtic-bound Yamada in emotional Kawasaki farewell message
Yamada said his goodbyes to Kawasaki after their penalty shootout loss to third-tier outfit SC Sagamihara in the cup earlier today.
"When I played against Kashima Antlers (on July 6), it had already been decided," he told local media.
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"Yes (I was emotional), Taiki (Yamada) was there too, and players came to see me too. It had already been decided at that time.
"I feel like I've become more emotional! I definitely feel like I cry more easily.
"Today was a game, however, so I had mixed emotions. I was a bit embarrassed to be speaking in front of everyone there, so the tears didn't come."
Yamada continued: "When I joined Kawasaki Frontale, I had a desire to go overseas. I thought that if I didn't make that decision, I wouldn't be able to get any closer to my goal of participating in the World Cup and winning it in Japan. So that's the decision I came to.
"Of course, there are a lot of things that happen... I was hesitant... But I had no doubts about going (to Celtic)."
Yamada has scored just four goals for Kawasaki in all competitions this year, although in 2024, he found the net 22 times.
Celtic will be hoping he can rediscover his shooting boots once he makes the move to Parkhead.
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