Daizen Maeda has revealed he has never watched a Champions League game as he gets prepared to take the plunge in the competition.

Celtic won the league last season, earning the right to be in the elite European competition.

Daizen came into the club in January and made a big difference to Celtic’s title tilt.

Maeda and his teammates are gearing up for the group stages of the competition but Daizen admits he hasn’t ever watched a Champions League tie live and prefers to watch baseball on his days off.

Maeda told SunSport: “I never watched the Champions League back in Japan because I don’t watch football on TV.

“I only ever watch baseball on TV. Why don’t I watch football?

“So I like to switch off and shut everything down. I think it is very important to have a different outlet.

“I have a favourite baseball team. As I’m from Osaka, Hanshin Tigers is the team I support.

“I played when I was younger, but I enjoyed playing football more so that is why I followed this path.

“What was I good at when I played baseball? Defence!”

It’s rather bizarre the forward hasn’t watched any of the Champions League. Most players aspire to play in the competition and watch players like Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski ply their trade at the very highest level.

Daizen will know all about the Champions League and the atmosphere at Celtic when September roles around. The atmosphere inside the stadium is going to be eclectic. Midweek games under the lights have always been special for the hoops.

The draw for the group stage of the competition takes place on August 25.