The midfielder has been expected to join to Serie A side Udinese this summer.
In-demand Reo Hatate insists his professional objective remains on winning trophies, despite concerns that Last season, the 27-year-old was a major player in Celtic’s midfield engine room, and Brendan Rodgers’ team missed him during the Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen.
Despite being denied a domestic clean sweep last season, Hatate won the Premiership and League Cup, and is thought to be receiving interest from all over Europe.
Udinese are reportedly winning the race, with Zico pitching his former club to the Hoops’ star.
And it is the Brazilian icon’s wisdom that has made an indelible mark on the Japan international: go and win even more trophies.
He told The Sun: “When we won the title, I felt a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that I had never felt before.
“In the previous season, I was injured several times and only played 16 league games. This year, I was able to participate and contribute in a variety of activities.
“I could also feel my improvement as a player, both defensively and offensively. I believe I performed better than ever last season after joining Celtic. That is why I felt the way I did when we won the league.
“However, I recall some wise remarks from Zico that former player Atsuto Uchida once uttered. They were, ‘When you retire as a player, all that remains is the number of titles you have won’.
“Hearing that, I’m happy to have won another league title this season. “Winning cups and leagues requires a concerted effort.
We play in a squad and environment that allows us to aim for the title, which we achieved.
“But after a while, people forget how good a player performed throughout that season and what level they demonstrated.
“When we play against tougher teams, I’ve had numerous opportunity to play with our top defensive midfielder, captain Callum McGregor.
“By doing so, I became more aware of the opponent’s positioning.
“With high pressuring becoming more popular internationally, when we build up from a low position, the player with the ball is usually free.
“Someone will come and press the free player. At that point, I became aware of who was coming to press and where there was an opportunity.
“As a result, I was able to watch who was where and how they would move to determine where the space would become available.
“This was true not only for deep positions, but also for higher spots in the opposing half, which increased my field of vision and possibilities.
“During the offensive phase, I can play as a No 6, but in front of the net, I can play as a No 10.
“I believe I can now better judge when to shoot or pass, which has resulted in more goals and assists.”
“I have also become more aware of when players are coming to press and where openings can be.”
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