Celtic star Daizen Maeda admits he can't explain why he struggled for form at the start of the season.
The energetic forward was a key factor in the end-of-season march to the double, a late splurge of goal helping them to win their last seven league games to pip Hearts. He also scored in the Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren and in the final against Dunfermline.
Maeda had been the league's Player of the Year in the 2024/25 campaign but his early season form this time around didn't get near to matching it, befor bursting into life at a crucial juncture.
Speaking back in Japan while promoting his autobiography, he said: "I wasn't in great form at the beginning of the season, but I've been getting into better shape towards the end.
"I think I can maintain this momentum and get a good result at the World Cup."
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Asked for the reason behind the slump, and if the failed move to Wolfsburg had anything to do with it, he added: "I don't know the reason.
"Even when things weren't going well, I continued to work hard as I always have."
It is thought the 28-year-old could depart this summer but he refused to discuss his future, his current focus purely on the World Cup.
"I think there's a good chance this will be my last (World Cup), so I want to enjoy it," he added.
"I want to fight with all my might, score goals, and contribute to the team's victory. I want to show the Japanese people what it means to fight with all your might."
