EXIT WOUNDS

Rodgers admits Maeda has wanted to leave Parkhead since February

- By Anthony Brown

BRENDAN RODGERS has backed talismanic forward Daizen Maeda to park any disappointment about not securing a move away from Celtic.

The Japanese revealed on international duty last week that he hoped to leave the Hoops before the transfer deadline, but a proposed move was blocked because the club were unable to source adequate replacements.

Asked about Maeda’s situation, former Liverpool boss Rodgers said: “I wasn’t surprised by that [revelation from Maeda] because I’ve known since the end of February where Daizen was at.

“We spoke a lot and he’s continued to give everything in his game and his training. He had a few options to go and it would have been great for him and his family in terms of his life, but it didn’t materialise, so it’s now my job to convince him to go again.

“I’ve done that with players before. I had Luis Suarez nearly at the end of my first season [at Liverpool] when it was deemed he was going to Arsenal. I had to convince him to stay and then he ended up having an amazing season and then after that went to Barcelona, so it’s not new to my career.

“Players will have challenges but I think everyone sees the integrity of which Daizen works, how he plays and how if I can reconnect all of that again then I’m pretty sure he will give his all whilst he’s playing.”