Daizen Maeda breaks Ange Celtic exit silence as honest star admits ex boss has him eyeing 'higher stage'

Celtic striker Daizen Maeda has heaped praise on Ange Postecoglou - and admits his former boss has left him dreaming of a "higher stage".

The 25-year-old worked with the Australian during his time at Yokohama F Marinos before he brought Maeda to the club on an initial six-month loan in January 2022, which would then be made permanent the following summer. The Japan international has enjoyed a glittering career since making the move to the Scottish Premiership playing a key part in Celtic lifting four of the give trophies Postecoglou claimed during his tenure.

However, Maeda will now have to become accustomed to a new boss after Postecoglou accepted Spurs' four-year offer to manage in the Premier League with Brendan Rodgers leading the race to take over the hot seat. The Celtic star confessed that the influence of Postecoglou on his career has left him believing he could go continue his progression to another level in the future.

Asked about his now-former boss by Japanese outlet Daily, he said: “I think he is a great person and I think I can play on a higher stage because of what he has built up as a manager. I want to do my best to be as good as him.”

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