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On This Day In 2006: Shunsuke Nakamura Scored 'That' Free-Kick Against Manchester United

On This Day In 2006: Shunsuke Nakamura Scored 'That' Free-Kick Against Manchester United

What a goal.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

12 years ago today, the free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura curled in an absolute belter for Celtic against Manchester United, sending the capacity crowd at Parkhead into a state of delirium.

The Japanese midfielder is, without doubt, one of the greatest free-kick takers in football history, banging in so many set-pieces with his wand of a left foot.

But this magnificent set-piece in the Champions League on 21 November 2006 is perhaps his best.

In the 81st minute, with the game tied at 0-0, Nakamura bent one superbly into the top corner from 30 yards to secure passage to the knockout phase of the competition, as well as giving Celtic fans another historic European night.

Nakamura has a long list of incredible free-kicks to his name, but the fact that it came against Edwin van der Sar, one of the world's best goalkeepers, makes this one even more special.

BT Sport posted the footage earlier today and reminded us how much we loved Shunsuke, the king of whipping one in from distance. Take it away:

Shunsuke Nakamura's accuracy is ridiculously impressive, so impressive that he can can whip the ball through the window of a moving bus like it's the easiest thing in the world.

This challenge, set to him by a Japanese TV show, must have been one of the most difficult he's had to face - even for a bloke who scored a winning free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League back in 2006.

But he completely and utterly smashed it, bending it right into the bus from a considerable distance. First attempt, no problem whatsoever.

Check out the footage below:

The slow motion replay shows just how beautifully he struck it and you could see how proud he was in his celebrations.

Nakamura is now 40 years of age but still playing for Júbilo Iwata in the Japanese top tier.

Not too long ago he took time out to appear on a Japan TV show and put his deadly free-kick abilities to the test in what very much looked like a Takeshi's Castle-type set up.

Nakamura was challenged to of score free-kicks against a giant, robotic goalkeeper who pretty much covered the net. He proved he definitely still has it by converting several inch-perfect free-kicks into the back of the net with his wand of a left peg.

The former Japanese international left the Celtic in the summer of 2009, after scoring 34 goals, winning three league titles and several domestic cups in Scotland, winning the hearts and minds of the Hoops' adoring support.

He will be forever recognised as a Celtic legend.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Celtic, Football, Manchester United, Champions League