Julian Araujo sends four-word message to Daizen Maeda as Celtic transfer confirmed
Julian Araujo has reached out to Daizen Maeda on social media after the Japanese forward officially left Celtic for Ipswich Town.
Maeda's future at Celtic has been up in the air since the start of the year, and he entered the final year of his contract with the club last month.
The 28-year-old completed a remarkable turnaround in form on the final day of the last Premiership season as he fired the Hoops to another title against Hearts.
He ended the campaign with 27 goal contributions in 54 appearances and emerged onto the radar of several Premier League sides as a result of his fine form.
Maeda made it very clear that he wished to join a team in the English top-flight, and he has now achieved his dream by completing a £10million move to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
He took to Instagram to send a heartfelt goodbye message to the Hoops fans after four-and-a-half years at the club, which has been reacted to by former teammate Araujo.
Julian Araujo sends message to Daizen Maeda amid Celtic return rumours
The Japanese striker was set to join Wolfsburg last summer before a move fell through late on in the transfer window.
Sources revealed to Football Insider in early July that Maeda was set to push for a move away from Parkhead, with Martin O'Neill admitting that he would be powerless to stop him from leaving.
Ipswich have stumped up enough money for the Hoops to accept an offer for his services, and the 28-year-old has taken to Instagram to say goodbye to their fans.
His lengthy caption touched upon several elements of his journey at the club, and ex-Celtic loan star Araujo replied to say: "All the best hermano" with a green heart emoji.
What is the latest on Araujo returning to Celtic?
Araujo arrived at Celtic on loan from Bournemouth in January after Alistair Johnston's serious injury had left the club short at right-back.
He impressed during his short stint in the side under O'Neill before seeing his own campaign cut short in April due to a thigh problem.
Recent reports from Mexico have claimed that Araujo is back on the Hoops' radar after he returned to the south coast of England for pre-season training.
He is only likely to join if Johnston leaves, however, with Everton reportedly considering a move after he shone at the World Cup with Canada.