Kyogo Furuhashi has explained why he chose to join Birmingham City in a shock summer move, insisting he is "really excited" about the club's ambition.
Kyogo moves to St Andrew'sJapan international moves from RennesBirmingham eyeing Championship promotionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Birmingham pulled off a stunning coup as they secured Kyogo's signature earlier this summer, bringing the Japan international to England after just six months at Rennes in France. He had played for Celtic for four years, scoring 85 goals in 165 games, but he only played six times in Ligue 1.
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Now, the 30-year-old, who can play as a centre-forward and on the left wing, has explained why he felt the Blues were the right choice for him this summer. The club co-owned by Tom Brady have ambitious plans to build a new stadium, and are targeting Premier League promotion.
WHAT KYOGO SAID
Speaking on Japanese television, Kyogo credited former Celtic team-mate Tomoki Iwata, who is also now at Birmingham, for selling the project.
He said: "I was happy because I received many good offers, but I decided Birmingham City's was the best for me.
"Tomoki Iwata contacted me and told me he'd be really happy if I joined him at Birmingham.
"I listened to what he had to say about the club and I got really excited about hearing about their ambitions."
Asked about his brief Rennes stint, he replied: "It's true that I had a difficult period at Rennes, but I don't regret going there.
"I think I grew in some ways, so I believe I can make use of that experience in Birmingham and I hope to make the most of it."
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Birmingham play Solihull Moors in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday in a game that could mark Kyogo's first Blues appearance.