Daizen Maeda has revealed he once considered walking away from football to chase an Olympic dream in another sport.
Only Kylian Mbappe recorded a faster sprint during the tournament, with the France star reaching 23.4mph.
That led to Maeda being asked during a television interview in Japan whether he would ever consider switching sports and competing in middle or long-distance events at the Los Angeles Olympics in two years’ time.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Maeda laughed off the suggestion but admitted running has always come naturally to him.
He said: “Unfortunately, I think the athletes are at a different level from me, so no.
“But I am humbled at the suggestion!
“I have always been into running and I have been doing it from an early age.
“I didn’t practice at all. I just got better naturally. My stamina is also natural.”
Maeda’s pace has always been a huge part of his game at Celtic. His ability to press defenders, cover ground quickly and attack space has made him one of the most difficult players to play against in Scottish football.
But his latest comments show there was a point when football was not always certain to be his path.
Maeda explained that he grew up watching the Olympics and, during a difficult spell in his football development, considered changing direction completely.
He said: “When I was going through my education, I was watching the Olympics and I really enjoyed it.
“Football wasn’t going well for me at that time, so I decided I would quit and do gymnastics instead.
“My aim was always to go to the Olympics and represent Japan in the gymnastics events.”
That plan did not last long, with Maeda quickly realising gymnastics might not suit him physically.
He added: “But I gradually realised my body wasn’t flexible enough to be a gymnast, so from there, I tried to be a sprinter and worked on my speed all the time.”
His route back to football came through the people closest to him.
Maeda said: “As I was about to quit football for good, my friends and family brought me back to the game I now love. They encouraged me not to give up and to work harder.”
It proved to be a major turning point.
The Japan international has since built a successful career at club and international level, with his speed remaining one of his biggest strengths.
Maeda admitted that, at first, he enjoyed the running side of football more than the game itself.
He said: “I actually enjoyed the running part of football rather than the game at first. But then I discovered scoring goals was more fun!”
That journey from wanting to leave football behind to becoming one of Celtic’s most recognisable attacking players says plenty about Maeda’s character.
His sprint numbers may have led to Olympic questions, but Celtic supporters will be relieved he chose football in the end.
If celtic really wanted to keep him they should make him a offer to match the highest paid players at celtic” trying to get a player of his quality would take many millions it just might make him change his mind .