Daizen Maeda says he's committed to life at Celtic amid talk that Southampton are interested in his services.
The Japanese international scored for his country at the World Cup in late 2022 and it capped off a successful year where he made the move from Yokohama F. Marinos to Parkhead. He's already claimed a Premiership title on top of the League Cup won last month against Rangers, but links have also emerged over a potential exit.
Struggling Premier League side Southampton were said to be monitoring him with a view to making a summer bid. However, in an interview in his homeland, Maeda insists he just wants to focus on Celtic and reaching Japan's 2026 World Cup squad: "Right now, I’m not thinking about the future at all. I just won one of the domestic cups with Celtic, but I still have another cup and league title left to win this season. That is my only priority.
"Personally, I would like to achieve double-digit goals and assists. Until this season, I had almost no assists even though I scored a few goals.
"This season, my assists have increased and I would like to think that's been linked to our results. If I want to be a part of the next World Cup in the USA, then there are still many things here at Celtic that I need to do.
"The enthusiasm of the local fans in Scotland reminds me of my days at Matsumoto Yamaga. But back then in 2016 when I was in the Japanese second division, I never ever thought I would see the day that I played and scored at a World Cup.
"It changed everything for me. In fact, after the Finals, when I returned home to Japan, people started noticing me all the time so I disguised myself a little! But inside, I've not changed at all."
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