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New Celtic trio's J-League farewells as Yosuke Ideguchi apologises to fans while Daizen Maeda reunites with 'the Boss'

Ideguchi and Maeda are joined by Reo Hatate - who is ready to "grow" as a player and man.

SUITA, JAPAN - MAY 16: Yosuke Ideguchi of Gamba Osaka in action during the J.League Meiji Yasuda J1 match between Gamba Osaka and Urawa Red Diamonds at Panasonic Stadium Suita on May 16, 2021 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Yosuke Ideguchi is leaving Gamba Osaka behind

Yosuke Ideguchi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have said their goodbyes to their J-League clubs after all three were announced as new Celtic players.

And Gamba Osaka star Ideguchi has said sorry to his fans for disappointing in his final season.


He began his professional career at the club between 2014 and 2017, before leaving for Leeds United.

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Things didn't turn out as he'd have hoped and he returned to Osaka in 2019 but leaves again for another adventure abroad at the turn of the year.

Ideguchi said: "I am very sorry that I have not been able to perform to my personal satisfaction this season. I wanted to be able to help the team next season, but at this moment I have been offered a transfer and I have decided to move.


"My first attempt abroad was incomplete and I felt frustrated because I was not good enough. This time I will try my best to play an active role.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't joined Gamba Osaka. I really love this club and it is like a family.

"I will always support Gamba as a fan, and I dream that one day I will be able to come back to Gamba Osaka. It's been a long time coming, but thank you very much for everything."


24-year-old Hatate is leaving back-to-back champions Kawasaki Frontale and says he's ready to "grow" as a man and a player.

Hatate said: "I started my professional life at Frontale and played for two years at this club. It was a short period of time, but thanks to the director, staff, and teammates, I have experienced a lot. Every day was fun and exciting.

"If I hadn't chosen Frontale when I entered the pros, I think a player in his second year of college wouldn't have had this much experience.


READ MORE: Hatate, Maeda and Ideguchi are Celtic stars for the long haul as transfer structures and contracts revealedREAD MORE: Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs eye signings

"I'm really glad I was able to play with this team and I am grateful to all the clubs for their warm welcome.

"I will be playing for a different team next season and I want to challenge myself to grow as a footballer and as a person. I would be very grateful if you could keep an eye on me as well as Frontale, and I will be rooting for Frontale to win their third consecutive league title and the ACL."

And joint J-League top scorer Maeda can't wait to reunite with 'the boss' Ange Postecoglou - still beloved at Yokohama F. Marinos six months after leaving for Celtic.


Ange Postecoglou
(Image: Getty images)

He said: "I'm really happy to have been able to play at Yokohama F. Marinos.

"I am really grateful to my team-mates, coaching staff, and reinforcement people for understanding my desire to take on the challenge again overseas.

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"I'll do my best to give you a good report, and I'm going to visit the BOSS!"

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