Shunsuke Nakamura Says He Is Not A Star To Espanyol Fans

Former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has protested against his “Galactico” billing after his arrival in Spain sparked a chaotic airport crush among Espanyol fans.

It was reported that hundreds of Espanyol fans greeted the midfielder as he swept into Barcelona for a medical while Spanish media compared him to new Real Madrid signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 31-year-old midfielder told reporters that he is not a star and that he will have to work twice as hard as everyone else at the club and is prepared to put in a defensive shift for the team.

The player also said that it’s not easy to make an impact in Spanish football and that he will try hard to establish himself step by step.

Nakamura joined Espanyol on a two-year deal from Scotland’s Celtic last month after winning three SPL titles at Parkhead and he chose to play for Espanyol after snubbing a return to his boyhood J-League club Yokohama F-Marinos.

The former Scottish player of the year will instead make his home debut against the likes of Ronaldo and Kaka when Real Madrid visit Espanyol in the second week of the La Liga season.