Daizen Maeda has again underlined his ambition to test himself in the English Premier League, revealing he would welcome the opportunity regardless of which club comes calling.
The Celtic forward’s future has become a major talking point after manager Martin O’Neill admitted during the club’s pre-season camp in Portugal that he accepts the Japan international could depart before the transfer window closes, although he would prefer him to remain for the final year of his contract.
Despite that, Maeda has made it clear his priority is securing a move to England. Having previously spoken of his Premier League aspirations, the 28-year-old has now reinforced that stance in an interview with Japanese YouTube channel PIVOT.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League ever since I went to Celtic, so I think this year might be my chance.
“My strongest desire is to play in the Premier League for at least a year. I haven’t really thought about what comes after that.”
Explaining why England remains his preferred destination, Maeda believes he has the attributes to succeed at the highest level.
“I think it’s the best league, and I’m confident I can do it there, so that’s why I want to take on the challenge.
“There are certain strengths to being Japanese, and I believe that no matter which team I join, there will always be many who want me. I want to showcase those strengths of being Japanese.
“It’s really not decided yet. It’s about negotiations between Celtic and the other party… Until that’s finalised, I still have one year left on my contract with Celtic.
“For me, it’s simply that I want to play in the Premier League, and I don’t care which team it is, I just want to play here. So, no matter which team it is, what I have to do won’t change. I think that’s the only thing that matters when it comes to fighting.”
Maeda also reflected on last summer’s failed move to Wolfsburg, admitting the collapse of the transfer initially affected him before he rediscovered his form during a campaign in which he played a key role in Celtic’s domestic double.
“Last year, I scored around 33 goals for Celtic, and I thought that was definitely the right time to transfer, but I couldn’t and ended up staying at Celtic for another year.
“I was a bit down about it at the time, but in the end, we were able to win the league title and the cup.
“It was quite difficult, but I was in a situation where I had to do it, so I thought that in order to move on to the next step, I had to change my mindset and perform well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to play in the Premier League or anywhere like that.
“It took time, but I think I was able to pick up my form in the end.
“I don’t know which team I’ll be on next season, but I think I’ll just have to do my best with the team I’m with now.”
2 Comments
Love daizen but he needs to shut up we are the ones who have gave him this platform keep quiet and do it behind closed doors stop selling us short
I’m really really worried that our board are happy to keep Maeda, his heart and head have already left the building, hes given us a tremendous four and a half years, he wants to go……….sell him now!