Daizen Maeda opens up on Celtic celebration as he reveals the real reason behind 'Anpanman' tribute

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Daizen Maeda says his daughter is the reason he references a Japanese anime every time he scores for Celtic. The striker has been a hit since his January arrival from Yokohama F.

Marinos with his goals helping fill the void left by the injured Kyogo.The jet-heeled marksman has six already including two in his last two Premiership games and is a popular figure among the Parkhead faithful.Fans are already familiar with his signature celebration as he explained previously it was a reference to Japanese anime character Anpanman.

But Maeda has now revealed that it was actually his daughter behind it all. The 24-year-old saw his little one imitate the popular cartoon superhero and found it so adorable he decided to do it every time he scores as a tribute to his toddler.He told the Celtic View: “It’s a cartoon hero, Anpanman, and when I was watching the cartoon with my daughter she does the same thing he does."I thought it was cute so I decided to do it myself as a tribute to her when I score my goals.” Maeda has cemented himself as a key man in Ange Postecoglou 's side even despite the clinical form of strike partner Giorgos Giakoumakis.

And he will be hoping to start this Sunday as Celtic look to strengthen their grip on the Premiership title by beating Rangers.