Maeda: I wanted to leave Parkhead

DAIZEN Maeda has revealed he hoped to leave Celtic before the summer transfer window closed but a proposed move was blocked by the Parkhead club.

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

Last season's Scottish Premiership Player of the Year was eager to take the “next step” in his career after receiving a tempting offer from elsewhere.

Maeda, speaking while on international duty with Japan, said he was late in joining up with his country this week due to “club circumstances", with the transfer window closing on Monday night.