Daizen Maeda has spoken about his move to Celtic and his thoughts on manager, Ange Postecoglou.
Originally Ange wanted to move the Maeda at the same time as signings like Kyogo and Abada, but Maeda’s loyalty to Yokohama and seeing out the season meant Celtic had to wait.
The Japanese international insisted on staying at Yokohama until the J-league season was over, which ended in December.
Considering he played the full Japanese season before moving to Celtic the Hoops attacker showed great energy.
Speaking to Japanese publication Number Maeda spoke about initially turning down Ange: “I’m very grateful to Ange for bringing me to both Marinos and Celtic. When I went to Marinos, I struggled because I had hardly played on the left side, but they kept using me because they trusted me and said I could do it.
“Celtic had actually asked me last summer, but I had turned them down because Marinos were also fighting for the championship at that time. Ange told me to go and win the championship.
Translation via 67HH.
Daizen revealed it was a zoom call from the Celtic gaffer that would ultimately see him make the switch to Glasgow. After becoming a League title winner at Celtic, Daizen revealed Ange’s approach has always been the same; whether at Yokohama or Celtic.
“After the J-League season, he contacted me directly via Zoom and told me that he really wanted me to come, so I decided to move.
“Ange’s character doesn’t change at all, whether it’s at Yokohama or Celtic. Maybe that’s why I want to follow him. In Celtic meetings, I often hear stories from my time at Marinos, and no matter how many times I hear them, they still resonate. For me, he is a very good manager.”
The Japanese striker has told the Celtic support he’s still to reach his full potential in a Hoops jersey.
Celtic are set to play Aberdeen this Sunday for the first league game of the season and the bhoys are ready after a 2-0 win over Norwich at the weekend. Daizen looks likely to start the match and after scoring against the English Championship side – he’ll be hoping to get on the score sheet once again as the bhoys celebrate flag day.
