naka looks forward to champions league draw

David Friel
SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA has revealed he’d rather not disclose which teams he wants Celtic to be drawn with in the UEFA Champions League group stages – in case he jinxes the Hoops’ chance of being paired with his ideal opponents.

The Japanese star, speaking exclusively to the Celtic View, gave his thoughts ahead of Thursday’s eagerly-anticipated group stage draw.

In his three years at Celtic, Naka has faced AC Milan (twice), Benfica (twice), Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona in Europe.

Smiling as he talked about the last two seasons, Naka spoke for most Celtic supporters when he stated that he hoped to avoid Benfica and AC Milan until the latter stages.

“We seem to play Milan and Benfica ever year,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t really want to say which teams I want to draw.

“In the past, I said I wanted to play Milan and it happened. I also said I’d like to draw Barcelona and it happened. If I say this time, maybe it won’t happen!

“What I can say is that I don’t think we want to play Benfica or Milan again. All I want to do is play against some of the best clubs in the tournament.”

Upon being pressed further, Naka still refused to buckle but his eyes did light up at the mention of Lyon, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

“I watch those teams a lot, especially the Premiership sides, so maybe that would be good. Let’s wait and see what happens on Thursday.”


READ the full and exclusive interview with Shunsuke Nakamura ONLY in this week's Celtic View - out on Wednesday, August 27.

The Celtic View is the Voice of the three-in-a-row Champions and also in this week's issue:

• Exclusive interview with Celtic ‘new’ Bhoy, Shaun Maloney on his return to Paradise.
• Andreas Hinkel reflects on his footballing career to date.
• Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld shares his derby memories.
• Celtic great Tom Boyd looks back on his career with the Hoops.
• Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr talks about his love for Celtic.

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