Daizen Maeda has dropped another hint at a Celtic departure after Japan’s exit from the World Cup.
Japan suffered a third consecutive heartbreaking World Cup exit by losing to a Brazil winner right at the very end.
Maeda started the match and played 90 minutes, impressing with his performance and earning plaudits from pundits who both were and weren’t familiar with him.
After his stellar end to the season with Celtic, an exit was already expected this summer — though he has now indicated even further at this desire.
How much is Daizen Maeda worth now after his post-split form? 🔥📈🔥
Tell us what you think, Celtic fans…🍀💚
Daizen Maeda: ‘I need to make another step forward’
Via Sky Sports News, Maeda said after the defeat: “I personally feel that I need to keep improving and take another step forward.
“It made me realise that I can’t stay at my current level and that I need to become a better player.”
READ MORE: Alfie Devine’s ‘strong links’ to Celtic emerge as Preston struggle to close deal
On the game itself, he said: “We fought a great game, but the opponent was strong and I think we still have a long way to go.
“Of course we had the feeling that we could do it, but Brazil is just so skilled and powerful and we ended up spending a lot of time defending.
“I think it was just a matter of time before they scored, to be honest — but what we’ve done up until now remains unchanged.
“I want to return to Japan with my head held high.
“So many fans came to the stadium to back us and I know a lot of people stayed up to watch even in the middle of the night in Japan, so I want to thank them all for their support.
“What we have built together over these past three and a half years since the Qatar World Cup, together with the players, staff, family, fans and supporters, is something I am very proud of.
“But I apologise for the defeat.”
Ange Postecoglou as Scotland’s next manager. What do you think? 🤔
If not Ange, name your other options….🏴👇
Daizen Maeda’s final run at Celtic
Maeda has established his status as a modern Celtic legend with his extraordinary form for the run-in, scoring in each of the Hoops’ last seven games of the season.
Among these goals were a sensational overhead kick against Rangers that will go down in history, as well as the goal that tipped the title decider against Hearts in the Hoops’ favour.
Maeda came close to leaving Celtic last summer, reportedly even clearing his belongings from Lennoxtown ahead of a proposed move to Wolfsburg.
His Celtic record now reads: 212 appearances, and 80 goals. He has won ten trophies and scored in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
