Kyogo left feeling “depressed and frustrated” by Japan National Team snub

The Celtic Star

·3. März 2025

Kyogo left feeling “depressed and frustrated” by Japan National Team snub

Kyogo Furuhashi has revealed that being overlooked by the Japan National Team during his time at Celtic left him feeling “depressed and frustrated”…

Montpellier Herault SC vs. Stade Rennais FC – 02 03 2025 Kyogo FURUHASHI (SRFC) lors de l™Ã chauffement pour le match Montpellier Herault SC vs. Stade Rennais FC pour la J24 de la Ligue 1 McDonald™s au Stade de la Mosson, le 2 mars 2025. MontpellierFrance Photo: Valentina Claret

The forward, who joined French Ligue 1 side Rennes in the latter stages of the January transfer window, has earned 22 international caps, with his most recent outing for Hajime Moriyasu’s side coming against China in November.

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Kyogo was consistently disregarded for selection for Japan

However, despite his outstanding performances for Celtic across a trophy-laden three-and-a-half year spell in Glasgow, Kyogo was consistently disregarded for selection for Japan.

Now, Kyogo has confessed that being left out of the Samurai Blue’s weighed on him during his time with Celtic, recalling the moment he learned he was omitted from the squad yet again while travelling on the way to a Champions League group phase match.

Kyogo signs for Rennes. Photo Rennes FC

The 30 year-old acknowledged that hearing the announcement was frustrating but he knew he had to quickly turn his attention back to club commitments.

‘I did my best to switch gears’

Speaking to Lemino Football, Kyogo said: It was really frustrating, to be honest I think the announcement of the squad was on the day we were traveling for the Champions League away game.”

“I couldn’t let it dwell on me. To be honest, I was really depressed and frustrated, but I had to play in the Champions League, so I did my best to switch gears.”

Kyogo Furuhashi runs with the ball during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Kyogo has suggested that showcasing his abilities in France could strengthen his chances of earning regular national team call-ups. He explained: “I think that if I can prove my strength here in France by playing every week, I will be called up by the national team again and I will be able to show a different side of myself. I cannot claim to be called up with certainty, but if he can demonstrate my ability at Rennes, it definitely adds to my chances.”

“I just want to make an impact here and create chances for my teammates. I’m very pleased we won in my opening game. There are a lot of players in France with very high technical abilities and I know I will challenge myself every day.”

Conor Spence

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