Daizen Maeda delivered a short but powerful message to Celtic fans after finding the net against Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The Japanese striker opened the scoring just before the hour mark, connecting with a superb cross from Marcelo Saracchi to head home. It was his second strike of the season and his first since making it clear during the summer that he had been open to leaving the club.
Interestingly, despite those comments, Maeda clutched the Celtic badge in celebration, later posting just three words on X: “For the team.”
チームの為に。 pic.twitter.com/6OcL9esMYz
— 前田 大然 Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) September 14, 2025
During the recent international break, the 27-year-old spoke candidly in Japan about the uncertainty surrounding his future in the last transfer window.
“I joined the national team late and was in talks with Celtic until the final day, but it didn’t work out,” Maeda said so according to Celticway.co.uk citing Gekisaka.
“I had an offer and had consistently communicated to my club that I wanted to take the next step in my career.
“However, Celtic ultimately couldn’t secure the necessary reinforcements and told me they couldn’t let me go.
“Personally, I had come to an understanding with the club, so I had the desire to take on this challenge.
“I’d been in constant talks with the club since before last season ended, consistently expressing my desire to take the next step.
“There were league matches, and we lost the CL qualifiers, so it was difficult.”
Although a move away didn’t materialize, Maeda made it clear he’s fully committed to the cause in Glasgow.
He added: “Since I’ve decided to stay at Celtic, I want to give my all for the team.”