Featured Image Credit: X/@OkI0xvQeFG6AoLX
Topics: Celtic, Japan, Football, Scottish Premiership, Scotland
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Celtic, Japan, Football, Scottish Premiership, Scotland
You probably won't be surprised to read this but, on Sunday afternoon, Celtic and Japan legend Shunsuke Nakamura scored a hat-trick of free-kicks in his Yokohama FC farewell match.
The 45-year-old attacking midfielder, best known for a prolific four-year spell with Scottish Premiership side Celtic, where he scored 33 goals in 166 appearances, was renowned for taking a wonderful set-piece.
From a last-gasp free kick winner against Kilmarnock to win the league title, to that famous strike against Manchester United in the Champions League, when he sent Parkhead into an absolute frenzy.
Advert
Nakamura will go down in history as one of the best free-kick takers of all time. So what's the secret behind his success rate from range?
Back in 2012, the former Espanyol man opened up about technique in an interview with UEFA.
"I try to keep my right foot firmly on the pitch and inject some power into the shot using the movement of my hips," Nakamura said.
"When I connect with the ball, I try to turn my ankle upwards. If you do this correctly the ball will curl and drop down at the right moment.
Advert
"For me, psychology is the most important thing. I try not to feel too eager. If my head is clear and my mindset right, I take my best free kicks."
With all that in mind, Nakamura produced the goods on Sunday, when he scored three free-kicks in a farewell match at the NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama.
Wearing two specially made kits for the occasion, the former Japan international, who scored 24 goals in 98 games for his country, scored five times as he turned out for both Yokohama and a J-Dreams XI.
Advert
Back in October last year, Nakamura announced his retirement from football.
"In my long football career I have had many struggles and setbacks, but there was always someone who supported me and pushed me forward," he said in a statement.
"I was able to fight as a football player because I had so much support."
Nakamura started his professional career at J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos in 1997 before enjoying spells at Reggina, Celtic, Espanyol, Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama FC.
Advert
He will certainly be remembered for his laser-accurate free-kicks. Happy retirement, Shunsuke.