Daizen Maeda may have played his final game for Celtic and ended his career in Scotland on a high.
The Japanese international, 28, has had a stellar time in Glasgow and lifted 10 trophies including the league and Scottish Cup Double this season.
Maeda has had transfer interest in his services since last term and could have departed the Hoops back in January before a deal with Wolfsburg eventually fell through.
But now the attacker seems to have bid his final farewell to Celtic supporters in the aftermath of another celebration at Hampden on Saturday afternoon.
Celts headed back to Parkhead for their trophy presentation and Maeda was applauded individually for his efforts. And he was interviewed by Celtic TV host Gerry McCulloch on the podium.
🗣️ “Obviously the goal against Rangers is the best.”Daizen Maeda, who scored nine goals in his last seven games, reflects on winning the Scottish Cup, and speaks about his title-winning form 🍀 pic.twitter.com/phhT4Mlv0J
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 23, 2026
Asked how his emotions have been across the past number of weeks, Maeda said: "Well my performance increased towards the end, so I feel bad for that."
That drew a smile from his teammates and supporters and he added, talking about his cup final goal: "Well the goal against Rangers was the best."
Finally, Maeda was asked for a message for the fans and what it means to play in front of their passion, to which the forward replied: "It has been a pleasure to play in front of you guys and that's why we've got the Double this season.
"I'm very happy about it."
Maeda may have missed an opportunity to play in the Bundesliga recently but it's the Premier League he has his eye on.
He recently admitted it was a dream to play down south. "I want to take the next step and play in the Premier League, which has always been my goal.
"Right now, I’m grateful to Celtic and I’m giving it my all.
"But I haven’t seen my limits yet.
"The Premier League is a dream I’ve been talking about since I was a kid.
"Even if it’s just for one year, I want to prove just how far my speed can take me at the highest level in the world."
