Jota has opened up about his return to Celtic and whether his time away deepened his appreciation for the club.
Jota left Celtic in the summer of 2023, the same time as Ange Postecoglou departs for Spurs, signing a life-changing contract in Saudi Arabia. It was money that he simply couldn’t turn down, while Celtic made £25 million from the sale.
The Portuguese winger, who declared in his farewell video that he loved the club ‘more than his past girlfriends,’ offered a refreshingly honest response when asked if the 18-month spell away made him value the Parkhead experience more.
Jota paused thoughtfully before responding during his pre-match media duties.
He said: “No, I wouldn’t say so. I think I was quite mindful about what I was feeling and what Celtic gave to me back then, so I was pretty grateful as well. So, no, I think my mentality was the same.
“For me, it’s like I never left. And when I came in for the first day, it felt like it was the same, and it gave me a lot of comfortable space to to live in really.” [Celtic TV]
Since rejoining the club in January following spells in Saudi Arabia and France, Jota has slotted back into Brendan Rodgers’ side with ease, contributing goals, assists and moments of flair reminiscent of his first spell. His sense of belonging at Lennoxtown and Celtic Park clearly remains intact.
His performances since returning have reflected that sentiment, with the winger gradually regaining sharpness and reminding fans of his quality in big moments. As Celtic chase a domestic treble and European progress next season, Jota’s comfort and familiarity at the club could prove invaluable.
