Nakamura’s Spanish ‘Dream’ comes true

Shunsuke Nakamura has revealed that it was his dream to play in Spain, when the Japan international was unveiled in front of an estimated 6,000 fans at Espanyol’s new Cornella-El Prat stadium on Monday.

The former Celtic midfielder, who passed his medical over the weekend, is the first player to be presented at the Barcelona-based outfit’s new ground and more than 300 journalists were there to cover the event, according to Espanyol’s website.

The 31-year-old had initially looked set to return to his former club Yokohama F. Marinos this summer, after his contract with Scottish side Celtic expired, but he chose to join Espanyol on a two-year deal instead.

Nakamura said: “Everyone knows that it was a dream for me to play in the Spanish league. Espanyol were very interested in me and I’ve felt that they really needed me and they wanted me to be here.

“I want to thank everybody who has made it possible for me to be here today. It makes me proud to have this reception.

“It’s clear that this (the reception) increases the pressure, but once I’m on the pitch, I will give my best to return all this appreciation and make the fans happy.”

Nakamura, who will wear the number seven shirt at Espanyol, is determined to be at his best by the time the new La Liga starts at the end of next month.

“The last four seasons I’ve been with the national team and I’ve not prepared very well. I want to be in good form, trying to win every game and to give my best for Espanyol,” he said.

“I will have to improve in everything, especially making sure my game is faster, as much physically as mentally.”