After one taste of the World Cup Finals Daizen Maeda is already looking forward to 2026 in North America.
Since moving to Celtic in January the 25-year-old’s career has taken off with the year ending with Champions League and World Cup experience topped off by a goal against Croatia in the last 16 tie in Qatar.
Maeda played as a striker for Japan and returns to Celtic with the impressive scalps of Germany and Spain on his CV from just 11 full international caps.
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???????????????#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2PIxgE4GXU— ?? ?? Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) December 6, 2022
TRANSLATE:
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.
With his World Cup 2022 adventure ending on Monday Maeda will probably return to Celtic at some stage next week but is unlikely to be in contention for the resumption of the SPFL away to Aberdeen.
The home matches against Livingston and St Johnstone look more realistic options for a return to club football and the strong competition for places on the wing at Celtic.
Josip Juranovic is the last Celt surviving in Qatar, on Friday he faces Brazil with a semi-final place on offer to the winners and an extended absence from club duties.