Daizen Maeda receives rapturous Celtic Park reception on emotional return

Daizen Maeda received a rapturous reception from the Celtic support after making an emotional return to Parkhead on Sunday.

The former Hoops forward was back at Celtic Park just months after completing his move to Ipswich Town, with Sky Sports Scotland sharing footage of the Japan international inside the stadium ahead of the clash with Rangers.

Celtic confirmed on Saturday that Maeda had personally asked to return to Paradise so he could properly thank supporters for the backing shown to him and his family throughout his four-and-a-half years in Glasgow.

The 28-year-old never had the opportunity to say farewell at Celtic Park when his move to Ipswich was completed, but he finally got that chance on Sunday.

Maeda was introduced to the crowd before kick-off and was greeted with a huge ovation from the Celtic support as he made his way onto the pitch.

It was a fitting reception for a player who enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Glasgow.

Maeda departed Celtic having made 212 appearances for the club, scoring 79 goals and collecting ten trophies along the way.

His relentless work rate and important goals made him a popular figure among supporters, and the warmth of Sunday’s reception demonstrated that bond remains intact despite his departure.