Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata received a hero’s welcome during a visit to his former club, Oita Trinita, in Japan.
🔵🟡
岡山戦に #岩田智輝 選手が
応援に来場✈️、
サポーターの皆さんに
挨拶がありました🎤#大分トリニータ#繋#trinita #レゾド1万人#おかえり智輝 pic.twitter.com/RWS89FAgP4— 大分トリニータ / Oita Trinita (@TRINITAofficial) June 17, 2023
The 26-year-old, who played over 110 times for Trinita during a four-year stint in his professional career, was greeted with applause by fans as he enjoyed his summer break.
Despite winning the Player of the Year award with Yokohama F Marinos before his move to Celtic, Iwata was not called up to the Japan international team alongside his Celtic teammates Daizen Maeda, Kyogo, and Reo Hatate. However, he seems to be making the most of his summer break.
During his visit to Trinita, who were hosting Faziano Okayama in a domestic match, Iwata addressed the fans, saying: [Football Scotland]
“Hello everyone, I’m Tomoki Iwata. I’m very happy to be here at the Dome today after a long time, and I’m happy to be able to cheer with you all.
“Let’s cheer together for three wins in a row today. Thank you.”
Iwata hasn’t had his chance to blossom under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos or Celtic, but with a new manager coming in, he’ll be keen to impress.
He’s shown his versatility for Celtic so far, and will certainly give the incoming manager some food for thought.
