Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has openly admitted he is unable to explain why he struggled so badly during the early part of last season at the club.
The 28-year-old endured a difficult spell in Glasgow before rediscovering his best form during the final weeks of the campaign, when it mattered most.
Maeda netted crucial goals as Celtic overcame Hearts to claim the Premiership title and also struck against Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup.
His contribution at the end of the season came as a significant relief given the uncertainty that had surrounded his performances earlier in the campaign.
Speculation had mounted that the collapse of a proposed move to Wolfsburg in the final hours of last summer’s transfer window may have affected him mentally.
However, Maeda refused to confirm that theory, responding simply: “I don’t know the reason. Even when things weren’t going well, I continued to work hard as I always have.”
While promoting his autobiography in Japan, the forward reflected positively on how his form had recovered heading into the summer period.
Maeda 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.”
Questions about his Celtic future remain unanswered for now, with the forward insisting all decisions will wait until after the World Cup in North America.
He has previously admitted a desire to test himself in the English Premier League, and Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has stated no one at the club should stand in his way if he chooses to leave.
Maeda is entering the final 12 months of his Celtic deal, making this summer a potentially pivotal one in determining his long-term future at Parkhead.
The Japanese international is fully focused on the tournament, saying: “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.”
Adding further excitement ahead of the tournament, Maeda will link up with Parkhead legend Shunsuke Nakamura, who currently serves as an assistant within the Japanese national setup.
Maeda said of the reunion: “Shunsuke has always been called a legend of the team at Celtic, so I’m really looking forward to working alongside someone like him.”
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