Yokohama F Marinos, the former club of both Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and new striker Daizen Maeda, have reacted to the forward’s first goal for the Bhoys.
Marinos, instead of feeling aggrieved by Celtic nicking their top talents, seem delighted by the instant impact Maeda has made. He scored after less than 5 minutes of his Celtic debut, cooly slotting away from close range after excellent work from Liel Abada.
Yokohama F Marinos, with a 9-hour time difference on Glasgow, clearly had some social media staff working overtime. But the J League side were quick to offer praise to Maeda, and highlight his goal celebration.
The club said [Yokohama F Marinos]: “While we were sleeping, Daizen Maeda scored his first goal in his debut for Celtic!
“Even in Scotland he did *that* celebration.”
Now, what’s the story behind “that” celebration? It’s a reference to Anpanman, an anime character who overtook Hello Kitty as Japan’s most beloved protagonist in 2002 [New York Times].
Anpanman, a superhero, has a pastry treat for a head, and is heavily merchandised and loved in Japan. By putting his fists either side of his nose, Maeda was re-enacting Anpanman’s rosy red cheeks.
There’s something you don’t expect to write.
Maeda had a fantastic impact on his first outing at Celtic Park. With a capacity crowd behind him, it took no time for the forward to get on the scoresheet and ensure the Hoops faithful would be talking about him for days to come.
Daizen Maeda leaves Celtic fans and former club Yokohama F Marinos impressed
When a player brings unbridled enthusiasm to their work, it’s impossible not to feel it, too.
Every time Maeda got on the ball last night, that excitement was palpable. J League fans were more than used to it of course, but for the Hoops faithful, it’s a brand new feeling. It’s certainly one we could get used to.
Maeda will have better games; that’s the exciting thing here. He took his goal extremely well, and his movement caused Hibs players problems all night. It’s terrifying to think what he can do with Kyogo next to him. Their first start together will surely have eyes from the J League firmly fixed to the Green and White of Celtic.
Meanwhile, the marketers for Anpanman might be a bit confused about all the Google searches from the west of Scotland.
Charming as he is electrifyingly fast, Maeda already has the makings of a massively popular Celtic player. Yokohama F Marinos will have been expecting him to leave at some stage, given his J League scoring heroics.
Rather than any bitterness about his departure, though, they’re supporting him 100% as he begins his Scottish adventure.
For multiple reasons, file this under: you love to see it.
Read more: John Collins says Celtic have bucked transfer trend; insists Hoops are equipped for title push
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