“It’s been a pleasure to play in front of you guys…” — Celtic beloved star sends EMOTIONAL Message to the fans after Scottish Cup final that signifies he’s played his final game in a Celtic shirt

Daizen Maeda may very well have played his final game for Celtic and if that turns out to be true, he signed off in perfect fashion.

The Japanese attacker scored once again during Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final victory over Dunfermline at Hampden, extending a remarkable run of form that ultimately helped drive Martin O’Neill’s side toward the domestic double.

Maeda has now found the net in each of Celtic’s last seven matches, producing nine goals and two assists during that incredible spell.

When Celtic needed someone to carry them across the line during the title run-in, it was Maeda who stepped up.

His performances completely changed the direction of the season.

And with increasing belief that he could finally leave the club this summer, the scenes after the final carried an emotional atmosphere.

Celtic blocked a transfer to Wolfsburg for Maeda last summer despite strong interest from Germany.

The move had advanced so far that the forward had already packed up and cleared out his locker before the transfer collapsed because Celtic were unable to bring in a replacement before the deadline.

Afterwards, he endured a difficult spell before arguably producing the finest football of his Celtic career.

Now though, there is a growing sense that this summer could finally be the moment he departs.

Following the cup final triumph, Maeda appeared to deliver an emotional message to supporters gathered at Celtic Park for the trophy celebrations.

Speaking to fans, he said:

“It’s been a pleasure to play in front of you guys and that’s why we got the double this season.

“So I’m very happy about it.”

The wording can instantly be viewed as a possible farewell message.

If it was goodbye, very few players could leave on a stronger note.

From scoring the decisive second goal against Hearts to his spectacular overhead kick against Rangers to his relentless displays throughout the closing weeks of the season, Maeda delivered whenever Celtic needed him most and established himself as one of the defining figures of another trophy-winning campaign.