Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has given an extensive interview to Japanese sports magazine Number about his move from Yokohama F.Marinos, international career and experiences of living in Glasgow.
Maeda moved from Japan to Scotland back in January and became an instant hit with Celtic supporters. His aggressive pressing and speed, as well as a few goals and trademark celebrations, have ingratiated him with fans.
And he could have been in the green and white Hoops even earlier, with Celtic approaching to sign him from Ange Postecoglou’s old club last summer.
However, Maeda didn’t want to abandon his old side in the middle of a title race, turning the Bhoys down. The Celtic forward has explained the personal touch from Postecoglou after the season ended eventually convinced him to make the switch.
He told Number [translated via DeepL]: “I’m very grateful to Ange for bringing me to both Marinos and Celtic. When I went to Marinos, I struggled because I had hardly played on the left side, but they kept using me because they trusted me and said I could do it.
“Celtic had actually asked me last summer, but I had turned them down because Marinos were also fighting for the championship at that time. Ange told me to go and win the championship.
“After the J-League season, he contacted me directly via Zoom and told me that he really wanted me to come, so I decided to move.
“Ange’s character doesn’t change at all, whether it’s at Yokohama or Celtic. Maybe that’s why I want to follow him. In Celtic meetings, I often hear stories from my time at Marinos, and no matter how many times I hear them, they still resonate. For me, he is a very good manager.”
Maeda has made 22 competitive appearances for the Bhoys, scoring eight goals, as well as generally providing a brilliant presence in the opposition half.
If he’s not trying to get in behind a defensive line, he’s hassling them to win the ball back and force a turnover.
The 24-year-old has looked sharp this pre-season too and looks set to start the season as a starting XI pick against Aberdeen.
With Postecoglou’s faith in him, excellent attributes and an eye for goal, Maeda could be one of our most important players over the next 12 months – so thank goodness he eventually said yes.
In other news, Celtic’s £20m budget and the quest for Champions League credibility.
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