Kyogo furuhashi named the only former team mate that keep texting message in the night for him to come back to celtic
Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi has opened up about a heartwarming detail since his move to French club Rennes in January 2025 one of his old Celtic teammates still messages him regularly, asking him to return to the club. That teammate is none other than Daizen Maeda, who, according to Furuhashi, sends him late-night texts urging him to come back to Parkhead.
“Daizen keeps texting me at night, saying things like, ‘Come back to Celtic, we miss you,’” Furuhashi revealed in a recent interview with a smile. “It’s touching to know that even though I’m no longer there, our connection is still strong. We went through a lot together.”
The Japanese duo formed a formidable partnership during their time at Celtic. Furuhashi joined the Scottish champions under Ange Postecoglou, while Maeda followed six months later. Both quickly became fan favourites, thanks to their relentless work rate, chemistry on the pitch, and humble personalities off it.
During his two-and-a-half seasons at Celtic, Furuhashi established himself as one of the most prolific and beloved strikers in recent club history. He scored 85 goals in 165 appearances and played a central role in securing multiple Scottish Premiership titles, Scottish Cups, and League Cups. His knack for turning up in big games, including a brace in the 2023 Scottish Cup Final, etched his name into Celtic folklore.
Even after making the high-profile move to Rennes in Ligue 1, Furuhashi’s heart clearly remains tied to Celtic.
“From the moment I joined until my final day, I’ve been happy every step of the way,” he said in an emotional farewell statement to fans. “Being able to enjoy so many wonderful moments and achievements with all of you made me feel like the happiest player in the world countless times.”
Furuhashi has continued to follow Celtic’s progress since leaving, often tuning in to watch matches and staying in touch with his old teammates. His friendship with Maeda, in particular, appears to have gone beyond just football.
“Daizen and I shared so many memories, both on the training ground and in matches. There’s a bond there that doesn’t just disappear,” Furuhashi said. “He always made me laugh and pushed me to do better. Even now, he keeps the banter going with these messages it’s his way of showing he cares.”
The sentiment is likely shared by many at Celtic, where Furuhashi’s departure was felt deeply. Supporters flooded social media with tributes, thanking him for his contributions and expressing hope that one day he might wear the green and white hoops again.
The idea of a potential return to Glasgow isn’t something Furuhashi is completely ruling out, either.
“Football is unpredictable,” he said. “I’m focused on giving my best for Rennes, but who knows what the future holds? Celtic will always have a special place in my heart.”
At Rennes, the 29-year-old has settled in well, already finding the net several times in Ligue 1 and winning praise for his movement and intelligence on the pitch. Yet, even amid the new challenges in France, it’s clear that part of him still belongs to Paradise.
The connection between Celtic’s Japanese contingent remains one of the club’s most unique and compelling stories in recent years. Players like Furuhashi, Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Yuki Kobayashi brought not only technical excellence to the team but also a strong sense of unity and professionalism. Their influence helped elevate Celtic’s standards on the pitch and expand its global reach off it.
For fans, knowing that Furuhashi still receives messages from Maeda especially ones sent in the middle of the night, pleading for his return is more than just a charming anecdote. It’s a reminder of the genuine camaraderie that exists behind the scenes and the special environment that Celtic has cultivated in recent years.
Whether or not Kyogo returns to Celtic one day, his legacy is secure. And thanks to Daizen Maeda’s persistent messages, that chapter may not be completely closed just yet.
