Daizen Maeda has hinted he will leave Celtic this summer after insisting he has to play at a higher level. The 28-year-old forward, who is in the final year of his Hoops contract, made the revelation following Japan's agonising 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday night.
Maeda's World Cup Performance Draws Praise
Maeda was a standout against the five-time world champions, earning huge plaudits for his relentless display. His pressing was dubbed "world-class" by former boss and TV pundit Ange Postecoglou. Despite the loss, Maeda's performance highlighted his potential to compete at the highest level.
The Need for a Higher Level
Speaking after the match, where Brazil scored a last-minute winner, Maeda said: "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." This statement strongly suggests he sees his future away from Celtic Park.
Previous Transfer Saga
Last summer, a big-money move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg fell through on deadline day. Maeda had already packed his bags at Lennoxtown before Celtic blocked the move after failing to land a replacement in time. However, the Scottish champions are braced for more offers this summer, and manager Martin O'Neill confirmed in May that he would not stand in the Japanese star's way.
Maeda's Gratitude and Reflection
Despite the defeat, Maeda insisted he is heading back to Japan with his head held high. He paid tribute to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side, which swept aside Scotland 3-0 in the group stages. Maeda 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."
He added: "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."
