Reo Hatate insists his admiration for Scottish football passion crosses the Old Firm divide. Celtic’s Japanese star hit admitted this week that his long term goal is to play in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues. But for now, the intensity he’s sees from his own fans and those across the city at Rangers means he’s more than happy to soak up the Glasgow rivalry for now after seeing the other side of it on a home visit, as he explained in an interview in his homeland.
He said: “The atmosphere the day before and the day after a Celtic v Rangers match is really different. You can see that everyone is cheering with pride. If it’s Celtic, everyone has pride as a Celtic fan, if it’s Rangers, everyone has pride as a Rangers fan. For example, there was a time when a Rangers fan came to repair my house. I could tell because he had the Rangers badge on his phone. I thought, ‘Oh, I hope this is all right.
He told me, “I’m proud of Rangers,” and added, “but I’m rooting for you, so keep up the good work.” I believe that generosity is shared by all team supporters, even when they are pleased with their club. This happened when I had my house fixed.
In Glasgow, there is a strong tradition of football. That’s how passionately I feel. I believe that being able to play in those stadiums and in that city right now is unique for me as a player. I can’t compare it because I haven’t played for any other European teams, but I think Glasgow is unique.” Hatate did acknowledge, though, that his first Old Firm encounter two years prior revealed another aspect of the game’s significance to supporters, as he scored twice in a 3-0 victory. He remembered: “I think Rangers fans set off fireworks outside the hotel probably to keep us from sleeping the night before my first derby.”
The following day, I scored in the Rangers game. When I went out the next day, I got pulled over by a Rangers fan, who gave me the finger. I realized then that I was performing in Europe.”
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