Daizen Maeda is one notable absentee as Celtic begin pre-season, but there is a straightforward reason the winger is still in Japan.
Celtic drew with Shelbourne at Tolka Park but Maeda remained in his homeland as he rests after his exploits in the US with the Japan national team.
His continued stay in Japan has nothing to do with injury or transfer speculation. Instead, Maeda is promoting his new autobiography before returning to Glasgow.
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Why Daizen Maeda is still in Japan and not at Celtic
Maeda’s book is called Frenzied: Why do I run this much? which is clearly a play on the characteristic that has made him loved by the Celtic fans.
Taking to social media, Maeda said, “‘Frenzied: Why Do I Run So Much?’
“An emergency book signing event has been announced! Date: Friday 10 July.
“Venue: HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA, Shibuya.
“Full details will be announced midday on Wednesday 8 July!
“Registration is scheduled to open at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 8 July!”
The promotion puts to bed any transfer or injury panic Celtic fans may have been feeling as Maeda looks to share the story of his footballing journey in his new autobiography.
Will Maeda stay at Celtic this summer?
Maeda has one year left on his current contract at Celtic and after five years in Glasgow, he has hinted towards a Celtic exit recently.
As yet, no bids for the Celtic winger have been made public but there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his future.
Will Maeda stay at Celtic this season and beyond? Even the most optimistic fan would find this hard to agree with.
For now, though, Maeda’s latest update offers reassurance. His continued stay in Japan is tied to commitments away from the pitch rather than any issue surrounding his Celtic future.
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