Naka opts for Espanyol move

Japanese playmaker turns back on homeland for Spanish switch

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 23rd June 2009  

Naka opts for Espanyol move

Nakamura: Celtic favourite

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Espanyol have confirmed the signing of Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura on a two-year deal.

The Celtic midfielder's contract with the deposed Scottish champions expires at the end of the month and he was widely expected to join former club Yokohama F Marinos.

However, the playmaker, who turns 31 this week, did not put pen-to-paper on a contract and has opted for a last minute switch to Primera Division outfit Espanyol.

The Barcelona-based club have announced that Nakamura will arrive on 10th July and, subject to a medical, will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training.

The news comes as a blow to Marinos as the free-kick specialist was expected to make a homecoming to finish his career in Japan.

However, Nakamura has instead taken the opportunity to play in one of Europe's elite leagues, having previously played with Reggina in Serie A.

"I don't know whether or not I can get a regular position but I want to give all I have," Nakamura said in statement published in Japanese newspaper Chunichi Sports on Tuesday.

"There is the possibility of losing everything I have built up," he was also quoted as saying in Sports Nippon.

Nakamura implied a reason for his Spanish switch was the opportunity to play against the best teams in Europe, whom he feels the top seven in the division are among.

"There are 14 matches against each of them every year and it is an awesome thing itself," he said.

"I feel attached to Yokohama and I thank them for the offer. But playing in Spain has been my dream and I want to try it."

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