Birmingham City’s New Signing Shares His Decision

Transfer deadline day was not only a busy one for Celtic in terms of incomings, but it was also lively in terms of outgoings at the club.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers was busy at Celtic putting the finishing touches on the deals to sing Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Auston Trusty, Tomoki Iwata was in England sealing a permanent transfer to Birmingham City.

The former Japan MVP arrived at Celtic during the Ange Postecoglou era but found it tough trying to break into the Hoops midfield ahead of Callum McGregor.

And now, after two and a half years at Celtic, Iwata sealed a move to the League One side, Birmingham City and named the person who convinced him to make the permanent switch to the Midland’s club.

Iwata aiming for the English Premier League

The Japan international now teams up with former Celtic coach, Chris Davies but Iwata admits it was Technical Director, Craig Gardner, who convinced him to make the move to Birmingham.

Speaking on Birmingham City’s official website, Iwata said, “I felt he (Gardner) is a very passionate guy and we want to go to the Championship together.

“I want to play for him and get us to the Championship and then the Premier League.

“I know Chris has worked with Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. I can fit my football to the football style of Chris, so I came here to play this football.”

Celtic was ‘amazing’ for Iwata’s career

Despite not getting regular football at Celtic Park, Iwata still speaks highly about his former club and says his time at Parkhead was ‘amazing’ for his career.

Iwata continued, “I didn’t play so many times, but it was a very important time for me and an experience. It was amazing for my career.

“My strong point is that I am a hard-working player and strong in a duel and have a good prediction of the second ball.

“I want to show this on the pitch.”

In all honesty, Iwata’s move to Birmingham is a coup for the third-tier English side. The Japanese midfielder never let Celtic down when called upon and proved to be a reliable stand-in for Celtic whenever Callum McGregor was out of the team.

67 Hail Hail wishes Iwata all the best as he was definitely the right player for Celtic, but he just came to the club at the wrong time.