Reo Hatate in Celtic hint as Hoops provide 'fulfilment'
It has long been thought the all-action midfielder is a strong candidate for a big move, as a leading star in the Hoops side who has also previously stated his desire to take his career to as high a level as possible.
Most recently linked with Serie A side Udinese, the 27-year-old has repeatedly had other interest throughout his time at Parkhead.
Hatate has three years remaining on his current deal and Celts would likely be able to command a large fee as they did with £30million-man Matt O'Riley a year ago, although the Japan international is older so perhaps not quite to the same level.
Despite a belief that the former Kawasaki Frontale man would love to further his career, he insists winning trophies is what gives him fulfilment in his career. That could suggest a Celtic stay might be his best option.
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He told The Sun: "The moment we won the title, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment unlike anything I had ever felt before.
"In the previous season, I was injured repeatedly and played only 16 league games. This year, I was able to play in many more and contribute.
"I could also feel my growth as a player, defensively and in attack. I feel I have performed better than ever last season since joining Celtic. That is why I felt like I did when we won the league.
"However, I also remember some golden words from Zico that former player Atsuto Uchida once said. They were, 'When you retire as a player, all that remains is the number of titles you have won'.
"Hearing that, I'm proud to have added another league title to my career this season.
"Winning cups and leagues is a cumulative effort. We play in a team and environment that allows us to aim for the title and we achieved it.
"But after a while, people forget how well a player performed in that season and what kind of level they showed.
"Numbers of goals and assists are there, but the record of winning a title will remain forever."
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