Daizen Maeda has revealed Celtic blocked a transfer exit for him in the summer.
The Japan forward has explained he wished to take the "next step" in his career but was unable to leave due to club circumstances at Celtic.
According to Maeda, who has two years left on his Celtic deal, he had intimated his desire to leave the club with an offer made for his services.
The winger was late to join the Japan squad in the United States due to being locked in talks with Celtic until the final day of the transfer window.
He claims he made his desire to move on clear from before the end of last season, but saw an exit become impossible during the summer window.
“I joined the national team late and was in talks with Celtic until the final day, but it didn't work out," Maeda told Gekisaka.
“I had an offer and had consistently communicated to my club that I wanted to take the next step in my career.
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"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.”
Despite being denied a transfer move over the summer, Maeda has now vowed he will give 100 per cent for the club.
He added: “Since I've decided to stay at Celtic, I want to give my all for the team.”
