Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has shared his experiences from the club’s recent tour of Japan, highlighting the cultural differences his Japanese teammates face in Scotland and the importance of such international tours for the club’s growth.
The tour, which took place in July, saw Celtic play against Yokohama F. Marinos and Gamba Osaka. It was a unique opportunity for the club to connect with its Japanese fanbase and for the players to experience a different footballing culture.
The Hoops lost 6-4 against Maeda and Iwata’s former club, before winning 1-0 against Gamba Osaka, who Yosuke Ideguchi used to play for.
“It was tricky with the games and training but we managed to see some places and it was a great experience,” O’Riley said to the Daily Record. “It has been great for our Japanese boys being back in their home environment.”
O’Riley also acknowledged the cultural challenges his Japanese teammates face in Scotland. “They got recognised a lot and you realise how tough it must be for them in Scotland as it’s so culturally different,” he added.
The midfielder also compared Celtic’s international presence to that of clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who also conduct tours in Asia. “This is all part of being at a club like Celtic. You see the likes of Man City and PSG coming out here. We are not quite at their level yet – but we are back in the Champions League again.”
The tour was not only a cultural exchange but also a chance for Celtic to showcase their talent on an international stage. With the club back in the Champions League, such tours could become a regular feature, helping Celtic increase its global footprint.
