4 days ago
Incoming Celtic star Shin Yamada wipes away tears in emotional farewell to club in Japan as fans make heartfelt gesture
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SHIN YAMADA has bid a highly emotional farewell to Kawasaki Frontale as he closes-in on his Celtic switch.
The striker was seen wiping away tears as he waved goodbye before travelling to Scotland.
Sign up for the Celtic newsletter
Sign up
6
Shin Yamada has addressed the Kawasaki Frontale fans
Credit: Getty
6
He was visibly emotional as he waved to the fans
Credit: X
6
He wiped away tears as he spoke to the supporters
Credit: X
SunSport were first to exclusively reveal Celtic's interest in Yamada last month.
And we told you last week that Yamada's transfer to Celtic was edging ever closer - but would only happen AFTER his international commitments.
The frontman was selected in the Japan squad for the E-1 Football Championship in South Korea over the past week and made his international debut in the process.
Yamada, who hit 19 goals for Kawasaki Frontale last season, was picked for the four-team tournament that concluded on Tuesday night, with Japan crowned champions.
Just a day later, Yamada was back with his club side.
Given he'd just been on international duty, he didn't feature as Kawasaki faced Sagamihara in an Emperor's Cup clash.
But he did receive a rather emotional farewell from the fans he's played in front of since 2022.
One video has emerged from Japan showing the Kawasaki fans' touching tribute to the striker.
They unfurled a huge banner in the stands, which featured Yamada's face on a Scottish flag.
It also contained his name, 'Shin,' several times.
Celtic launch new away kit with trailer featuring Scottish music icon and Hoops legends
There was also a compilation video of Yamada's highlights from his time at the club played through the big screens in the stadium.
Other footage shows a visibly emotional Yamada, wearing his Kawasaki kit, walking around the pitch to a great reception.
Clearly holding back the tears, Yamada waves and applauds to the fans who are clapping him.
While he managed to stop himself crying at that point, another video shows that he didn't quite manage to keep the tears at bay.
Yamada can be seen addressing a section of the supporters with a megaphone.
6
As he begins his speech, he has to take a few moments to regain his composure as he wipes away tears from his eyes.
Yamada is now set to travel to seal his move to Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers has already added five players to his squad this summer.
Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benji Nygren and Callum Osmand are the new recruits with Yamada set to be the next arrival.
6
The fans unfurled a banner for Yamada
Credit: X
6
He was given a video send-off too
Credit: X
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page