“EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Daizen Maeda DROPS HONEST VERDICT ON LEAVING Celtic F.C. FOR ANOTHER SCOTTISH SIDE – FANS STUNNED BY WHAT HE SAID”
“EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Daizen Maeda DROPS HONEST VERDICT ON LEAVING Celtic F.C. FOR ANOTHER SCOTTISH SIDE – FANS STUNNED BY WHAT HE SAID”
Celtic star forward Daizen Maeda has sparked massive debate across Scottish football after delivering a brutally honest response when asked whether he could ever play for another club in Scotland.
The Japanese international, who has become one of the most popular figures among the Celtic support in recent seasons, gave the remark during an exclusive interview discussing his career journey and his future in the Scottish game. But it was one specific question that caught everyone’s attention whether he could ever imagine himself wearing the shirt of another Scottish side.
Maeda didn’t dodge the question.
Instead, he delivered a response that instantly lit up social media and left many fans stunned.
“I might sign for other clubs in Scotland one day,” Maeda admitted calmly during the interview. “But there is one club I will never play for I will never play for Rangers.”
The statement quickly went viral online, with supporters from across the Scottish Premiership reacting to the comment. Given the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers F.C., Maeda’s words immediately struck a chord with fans.
The 26-year-old forward has become a key figure at Celtic since arriving from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022. Initially joining on loan, his relentless work rate, pressing ability and crucial goals quickly made him a fan favourite at Celtic Park.
His career journey to Glasgow has been remarkable.
Maeda began his professional career with Matsumoto Yamaga FC in 2016, where he made 56 appearances and scored nine goals. During his early development he spent time on loan with Mito HollyHock before gaining European experience with Portuguese side C.S. Marítimo.
That eventually led to his move to Celtic in 2022 a move that completely transformed his career.
Since making the switch permanent, Maeda has gone on to make more than 120 appearances for the club, scoring 37 goals while also contributing countless assists and defensive work from the front.
His relentless pressing style has made him one of the most important tactical players in the Celtic system.
But despite his strong connection with the club, the question of whether he could ever represent another Scottish side was one many fans had wondered about.
Now, they have their answer.
While Maeda admitted that football careers can take unpredictable turns, he made it crystal clear that joining Rangers would never be an option for him.
His comments quickly spread across fan forums and social media platforms, where supporters shared their reactions in huge numbers.
FANS REACTIONS ONLINE
One Celtic supporter, posting under the username @HoopsForever1888, wrote:“Maeda saying he’d never play for Rangers is exactly why the fans love him. He understands the club, the rivalry, and what it means to wear that shirt.”
@ParadiseNoise, posted: “Some players say the right things. Maeda actually means it. That answer will make him even more loved at Celtic.”
@GreenBrigadeVoice, added: “Honestly that’s the kind of statement that makes legends at Celtic. Absolute respect to Maeda.”
However, not everyone took the comment the same way.
A rival supporter using the username @BlueSideView wrote: “Football changes quickly. Players say things like this all the time. Let’s see what happens in a few years.”
@NeutralFootyTalk, said: “It’s a bold statement from Maeda, but you can understand it given how intense the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry is.”
Despite the debate, most Celtic fans viewed the statement as a sign of the player’s commitment and understanding of the club’s traditions.
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is widely considered one of the fiercest in world football, with decades of history, passion, and emotional intensity surrounding every encounter between the two Glasgow giants.
Players who openly acknowledge that rivalry often earn extra admiration from supporters, and Maeda’s words appear to have done exactly that.
For now, though, the forward remains fully focused on continuing his journey with Celtic.
Sources close to the club say Maeda is happy in Glasgow and remains determined to help Celtic compete for more trophies domestically and in European competition.
His relentless energy, pressing, and big-game mentality have already made him a key figure in the squad, and supporters will hope he continues producing memorable moments in the famous green and white hoops.
But one thing is certain after his latest interview.
While football futures can sometimes change unexpectedly, Daizen Maeda has made one promise crystal clear if his career ever takes him to another club in Scotland, it will never be Rangers.
