Celtic's Daizen Maeda wants to make 'special' connections with his international teammates ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The forward will likely represent his nation, Japan, at the tournament next summer.
Maeda turned out for the Samurai Blue at the last World Cup, scoring one of his four international goals in a last-16 loss to Croatia.
"There is one year left until the North-Central America World Cup," said Maeda [KICK OFF! KANSAI].
"I want to make connections with Japanese national team players special.
Read more:
"Like at Celtic, there were many scenes where I thought my teammate was coming but my timing with the passer was in sync. After three and a half years, my teammates understand me."
Maeda scored 33 goals and registered 11 assists in green and white last term, leading to heightened speculation over his future.
The 27-year-old is contracted at Parkhead until at least the summer of 2027.
During the recent off-season, he returned to one of his former clubs, Mito HollyHock, for training.
Boss Naoki Mori was impressed: "Daizen Maeda is clearly a world-class athlete. I think he will set new standards this season, even for him.
"He took part in our training this week because he wanted to be ready for the return to Celtic and used it as part of his conditioning.
"So as long as we didn't injure him, it was good!
"He was a great motivator for my players. They only need to look at him and see what he has done since he left our club.
"He was talking to them for the two days he was at our club about lots of things.
"Obviously, he has improved in every aspect since he was last at our club and he has taken his game to an entirely new level.
"I am sure he will have another great season and play at the World Cup at the end of it."
