Harry Kewell departs Celtic for J-League side as his replacement confirmed

Harry Kewell has left Celtic to take up a manager’s role with J-League side Yokohama Marinos.

The Hoops have appointed Adam Sadler to replace him as first-team coach at Parkhead.

Former Australia international Kewell, who also played for Leeds United and Liverpool, was brought in to the Scottish champions by countryman Ange Postecoglou in 2022.

The 45-year-old now becomes the third Australian in a row to manage the Marinos after Postecoglou and outgoing manager Kevin Muscat.

Celtic confirmed the departure on Hogmanay, less that 24-hours after they defeated Rangers 2-1 to go into the new year with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Kewell said: “I would like to thank Celtic for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to be part of one of the world’s great football clubs.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with Celtic with two great managers in Brendan and Ange. It has been an honour to be part of such a fantastic institution and it is a time in my career and life, which I will never forget.

“I would like to thank everyone at the club and all the fans who have given me and the team such brilliant support.

“I would also like to thank Brendan for giving me such support in pursuing this new opportunity. It is a very difficult decision to leave Celtic but I feel the management opportunity presented to me is one I would like to pursue.

“I will always be a Celtic supporter and I will always wish nothing but the very best for the club. I hope the club and our supporters can enjoy more and more success.”

Celtic also confirmed on Sunday that Sadler, who worked with manager Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, would replace Kewell in the backroom staff.

And the 44-year-old Englishman said he was “delighted” to take up the role.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Celtic.

“It is such an iconic club with such a brilliant history, a phenomenal fan-base and tremendous record of success.

“It goes without saying I am really looking forward to teaming up with Brendan again. We worked closely at Leicester City and enjoyed some good times.

“I know exactly the way Brendan likes to play and what he demands from his players and staff, so I am sure once again we can work together and achieve really positive results.”

Rodgers added: “I am really pleased to welcome Adam to Celtic. He will be a fantastic addition to our coaching team and I know he will bring some great experience and ability to add to the club.

“I would also like to wish Harry all the very best for the future. I really enjoyed working with him, I thank him for all his work and I am sure he will enjoy the great opportunity he has been given in Japan.”