DAIZEN MAEDA’S £10million move to Ipswich Town has been confirmed today.
The Japanese striker ended his four-and-a-half year career at Celtic as he realised his dream of playing in the English top-flight with the newly-promoted club.
The Hoops agreed an immediate payment of £8million with £2million in add-ons for the 28-year-old World Cup ace who arrived in a £1million deal from Yokohama F Marinos in January 2022.
The popular Maeda took to Instagram to say a heartfelt final farewell to the club, team-mates, fans and friends:
FAREWELL TO PARADISE…Daizen Maeda waves to the Celtic fans.
“To the Celtic family,
“The last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life.
“It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world.
“Thank you for standing by me through every high and low. Your incredible support gave me strength every single day, and I will always be grateful.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Glasgow who welcomed and supported my wife and children.
“Because of your kindness and generosity, my family was able to enjoy an unforgettable time here. Glasgow will always hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be our second home.
“My son loves Celtic so much that he already says he wants to wear the Celtic shirt and play at Celtic Park one day.
“I truly hope that dream comes true, and I hope our family will be back here again someday.
“Thank you to everyone connected with Celtic for everything.
“Hail Hail 
.”
THE LAST GOODBYE…Daizen Maeda says farewell in style with the Scottish Cup.
Maeda won 10 honours at the Hoops – five titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
He was the club’s top scorer two seasons ago with 33 goals and he netted nine absolutely valuable strikes in the run-in to the league and Cup double in the last campaign when the seven final games turned the Celtic season around.
The Hoops said goodbye to Maeda on the club website as they said: “His relentless energy and vital goals were an essential part of the team over the past four-and-a-half years, and he was a firm favourite with Celtic fans.
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