Former Celtic star forced to adapt in English Premier League as key aspect of game is ‘a different level’
Hoops hero finalised move south of the border in the summer
Celtic icon Daizen Maeda could get away with missing chances at Parkhead - but now has a ‘completely different level’ of goalscoring responsibility at Ipswich Town.
The 29-year old forward finalised his transfer from Celtic Park to the newly-promoted English Premier League side in July. His fine goalscoring form in green and white earned him his £10m south of the border, but he hasn’t quite hit the same heights yet at Portman Road, finding the target once in eight appearances thus far.
The Japan international bagged his solitary goal against European giants Manchester City last month in a 3-2 defeat. While Maeda was proud that he was able to break his duck in front of goal at the Etihad, speaking on international duty ahead of matches against Brazil and Paraguay, he explained the main difference between the SPFL Premiership and the English Premier League.
What did Maeda say was the key difference in the Premier League?
He told Japanese media: "I always thought that a chance would come someday, and I felt like that chance had finally arrived. No matter who the opponent is, it's the Premier League, so I wanted to score a goal, but I also believed that if I kept working steadily, a chance would definitely come, so I'm glad that I was able to score in a match that was attracting attention.”
With 79 goals in 212 Hoops appearances during his four years at the club, it was always going to be a tall order for the striker to get anywhere near these numbers in a more challenging league. Maeda now feels more pressure to put away his chances at Ipswich than he did at Celtic, knowing he’ll get far fewer opportunities in front of goal.
He continued: "The chances are on a completely different level compared to when I was at Celtic. In that match, there really was only one shot. It was either I scored it or I didn't. Especially as a newly promoted team, I knew I had to score, so I'm glad I was able to score it on the first try. I really feel how important it is to score one goal when you're in the Premier League."
What was Maeda’s message to Celtic fans when he left in the summer?
In an emotional farewell message to the Celtic Park faithful, upon his Glasgow departure, Maeda wrote: “To the Celtic family, the last four-and-a-half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life. It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff and the best supporters in the world.
“Thank you for standing by me through every high and low. Your incredible support gave me strength every single day, and I will always be grateful. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Glasgow who welcomed and supported my family.
“Because of your kindness and generosity, my family was able to enjoy an unforgettable time here. Glasgow will always hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be our second home. My son loves Glasgow so much that he already says he wants to wear the Celtic shirt and play at Celtic Park one day. I truly hope that dream comes true, and I hope our family will be back here again someday. Hail hail.”
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