Reo Hatate admires Rangers enthusiasm as Celtic player is shown an unseen side of Glasgow by Gers silly repairman.

Reo Hatate admires Rangers enthusiasm as Celtic player is shown an unseen side of Glasgow by Gers silly repairman.

Reo Hatate argues that his affinity for Scottish football transcends the Old Firm difference. Celtic’s Japanese star player revealed this week that his long-term objective is to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues. But, for the time being, the intensity he’s seen from his own fans and those across the city at Rangers means he’s content to soak up the Glasgow rivalry after experiencing the other side of it on a home visit, as he said in an interview in his hometown He stated, “The atmosphere the day before and the day after a Celtic v Rangers match is vastly different. It’s clear that everyone is proud to be a Celtics fan; everyone is proud to be a Rangers supporter. For example, once, a Rangers supporter came to repair my house. I could tell since he had a Rangers badge on his phone. I thought, ‘Oh, I hope this is all right.’

“I got my house repaired and he said, ‘I’m proud of Rangers.’ He also said, ‘but I’m rooting for you, so keep up the good work.’ I think every team’s fans and supporters have that kindness, even though they are proud of their team.

“Football culture has deep roots in Glasgow. I have a strong feeling about it. I believe it is unique for me as a player to be able to play in stadiums and in that city now. I haven’t played for other European teams, so I can’t compare, but I think Glasgow is exceptional.” However, Hatate revealed that his first Old Firm encounter two years ago demonstrated the opposite side of what it meant to fans, as he scored twice in a 3-0 victory. He recalled: “When I stayed at the hotel the night before my first derby, I believe Rangers fans set off fireworks outside the hotel, most likely to keep us awake.”

Then I scored against the Rangers the next day. The next day, I went out, and a Rangers fan noticed me driving and gave me the finger. That’s when I realized I was performing in Europe!”

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