Daizen Maeda shuns Celtic transfer talk as speculation over future makes way for 'big' international moment
The Celtic winger captained his country for the first time against Scotland at Hampden on Saturday evening
Daizen Maeda swerved questions over his Celtic future after captaining Japan to a 1-0 international friendly win against Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The Hoops winger was handed the armband by Samurai Blue head coach Hajime Moriyasu for the first time at the national stadium as the Japanese edged out Steve Clarke’s side courtesy of substitute Junya Ito’s late strike.
Maeda spoke to various Japanese media outlets post-match – but refused to discuss his long term plans when pressed on speculation over his next move.
The 28-year-old, who was close to departing Celtic last summer after seeing a big money move to Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg blocked by then boss Brendan Rodgers amid a late flurry of chaotic transfer activity.
Maeda has remained a key figure for Martin O’Neill’s men this term having racked up 45 appearances across all competitions, but he’s struggled to rediscover last season’s impressive goal scoring form after finding the net on just eight occasions.
The versatile attacker - previously linked with English Premier League sides Everton, Tottenham and Brentford - is likely to head through the exit door in the upcoming window, but opted against responding when asked what the chances of him still being a Celtic player after the World Cup were.
How Celtic star reacted to being handed Japan captaincy
Instead, Maeda expressed his pride at skippering his country in the absence of Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, and emerging with a narrow victory at a venue he has grown accustomed to winning silverware at in recent years.
“Coach Moriyasu told me just before the match,” Maeda revealed when asked how he found out about being named captain. “It was the first time in my life, and I thought, ‘This is big.’ I asked him what he usually does. He gave me some pointers, but I ended up losing the coin toss, and the opponent chose the side, so I was a bit flustered at first!
“It was a valuable experience. I felt we had to play for the players who couldn’t be here today, the ones who were working hard elsewhere, and those who couldn't make it due to injuries.
“There were eleven changes in the line-up. Among members who aren't usually in the main squad, we managed to hold them to zero goals in the first half through persistence.”
Maeda’s refusal to discuss future not surprising
Maeda’s form nosedived upon learning that his move to Germany had fallen through, and it’s perhaps quite telling that he chose not to speak out on his situation. Can you blame the player?
It’s expected that Maeda will be sold this summer, despite remaining as one of Celtic’s top assets. With a huge rebuild in the pipeline at Parkhead and a new permanent manager still to be appointed, a number of big sales are likely to fund more incomings under the club’s current recruitment model.
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