Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has taken to social media after his World Cup heroics for Japan [@M_daizen_1020].
初めてのW杯。
これまで出会った方々、所属したチーム、家族、ファン、サポーター、沢山のサポートがあったからこそこの舞台に立てました。
四年後。必ずリベンジします。
沢山の応援本当にありがとうございました。
これからも宜しくお願いします。#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2PIxgE4GXU— 前田 大然 Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) December 6, 2022
The 25-year-old was a regular starter for his national team at the tournament and scored the opening goal in their Last 16 tie against Croatia.
His message read: “World Cup for the first time. I was able to stand on this stage because of the people I met, the team I belonged to, my family, fans, supporters, and a lot of support. Four years later. I will definitely revenge. Thank you very much for all your support. Thank you for your continued support.”
Many Celtic fans were left shocked after Hajime Moriyasu did not select Kyogo Furuhashi or Reo Hatate for the tournament but his selection of Maeda was certainly justified with him receiving praise off various different pundits at the tournament.
The former Yokohama F Marinos star came in for some criticism this season in the Hoops after his performances in the Champions league which appeared to be unjustified.
Having joined the Scottish champions in January, he became a key player to Postecoglou’s side and was an important part in the team that went on to win the league title. His game simply isn’t about scoring goals with his work-rate always being 100%.
So far this season, he has made 22 appearances for Celtic scoring four goals and contributing four assists.
The World Cup will have been a great experience for Maeda and he will be hoping to come back to contribute more for Celtic when domestic football resumes.
It is likely that he will now be given some time off having competed at the tournament but will no doubt feature for the Hoops during their busy run of fixtures.
