Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi admitted his stint in France did not work out as he struggled with the league’s greater physical demands compared to Scotland…
Birmingham City v Ipswich Town EFL Sky Bet Championship 08/08/2025. Birmingham City Kyogo Furuhashi during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Ipswich Town at the St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham on 8 August 2025. Photo Andy Shaw PSI (IMAGO)
The Japan international joined Birmingham City in the summer after an underwhelming six-month spell with Rennes. Although Rennes spent £10 million to sign Kyogo from the Hoops, he saw little game time before being sold to the English Championship side, where he made his competitive debut in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at St Andrews.
In a media interview back in Japan, Kyogo revealed that he found it difficult to cope with both the physical nature of French football and the language barrier. Speaking via The Herald, Kyogo said: He said: “I found the French league more physical than in Scotland with Celtic. The manager told me I had to adapt and find a way around it.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Stade Rennais during the Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg on February 02, 2025 at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France. Photo by Manuel Blondeau AOP
“But when I am frustrated in Japan, I have people I can talk to. In France, there was no one. I didn’t have an interpreter like I was used to and that didn’t help either. I studied French for six months, but I don’t think I got anywhere with it.”
“It’s so important for me to be playing games now with the World Cup less than a year away. It will come around quickly.”
The ex-Celtic hero saw an impressive goal harshly disallowed during his first competitive appearance for Chris Davies’ side on Friday evening. Only eight minutes into the game, Kyogo skillfully brushed past his defender before delivering a delicate lob that found the back of the net.
His celebration was halted when officials ruled he had committed a foul on Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves just prior to scoring.
Kyogo’s goodbye message to Celtic
Despite Jay Stansfield opening the scoring for the Blues, pouncing on a separate Kyogo chip which struck the post, Birmingham’s hopes of a win in their opening league game were dashed when Scotland international George Hirst scored an equaliser from the penalty shot during stoppage time. The decision was harsh to say the least.
Conor Spence
THE HANGOVER…So better late than never …
Kasper Schmeichel in control as Leighton Clarkson of Aberdeen stretches for the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI
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