Every Jota word from first Celtic interview as returning hero reveals what he did and didn't miss at Parkhead
Returning hero Jota admits he can't wait to get going at Celtic after rubber-stamping his sensational £8.4million move from Rennes.
The Hoops idol has penned a bumper five-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish champions, just 18 months after departing for a life-changing £25m switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. While his bank balance may have swelled, the ex-Benfica starlet has endured a turbulent couple of seasons on the park after struggling to make his mark in the Middle East, and then in France with Rennes.
Now he's back home in Paradise, Jota credited new boss Brendan Rodgers as a major factor behind his stunning return as he looks to rediscover the form that made him a fans' favourite. Dubbed the 'Superstar from Portugal' by his adoring green-and-white faithful, the Treble-winner immediately set his sights on lifting even more silverware at Parkhead, while also making his mark in the Champions League.
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You can read every word of Jota's first sit-down interview with Celtic TV below.
Q: Welcome back. It almost feels a bit surreal to see you here again at Celtic Park. Describe your feelings to be back here.
Jota: I would say that the feeling that comes to mind is definitely nostalgic for me, because it was such an amazing feeling and moments that I felt through my two seasons here. I'm just delighted to be back. I am really excited and I just can't wait to start.
Q: How did this move come about? We last saw you 18 months ago. You went to Saudi, then France... what brought you back to Glasgow? Was it the weather?
Jota laughs: No, it's definitely not the weather! I'm very critical about it! But, as I always say, the best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic, obviously, is the people. And I feel like I need a place with soul, a place where I feel at home, and this is definitely something that I was looking for. I think there's no better match than Celtic.
Q: So you're here to play football. How excited are you to get going?
Jota: Yeah, just so excited. Obviously, the last year and a half has had its ups and downs. But that's life, and that's how football is. So now I think my head is fully on here and I just can't wait to grow, to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.
Q: There are a lot of new faces as well. Paolo Bernardo, fellow Portuguese. Is he someone that you played with before or fingers before?
Jota: Yeah. So most of the lads, they obviously have followed their own path in the last year and a half. So most of them, they are not here, but I would say at least ten are so, obviously, I keep in touch with some of them. And Paulo is someone I played with before in Benfica and we talked before he came to Celtic, obviously. And yeah, I just can't wait to see him again and see how he's doing.
Q: How much are you looking forward to working under Brendan Rodgers and what have your discussions been like?
Jota: A lot. He's someone that everyone that I spoke to spoke really well about him and his philosophy of the game. His principles, the way he treats players. And, I think he was crucial for me coming here because he saw and he told me what he wanted since day one, we had really good discussions. I think we were very honest. And, in the end, we believed in each other. So for me, that's the most important thing. Someone that believes on me and someone that I believe as well, in the philosophy and Brendan is no different from that. And I think it's just a really exciting time to work with someone who has achieved so much and is giving so much joy and happiness to all of the Celtic family.
Q: Well, this family always remembered you. They never forgot you. Did you keep in touch with how Celtic were getting on? Did you watch the games on Celtic TV?
Jota: Yeah, 100 percent. I kept on calling the lads, the team, the Celtic. Obviously, once you have had such an amazing journey, then you still want to be a part of it, even though it's in a different way. But I always made sure that I followed the results. I spoke with members of the team, the staff, the club. And even though I was away, I always felt like, okay, I still follow them. And I kind of know the feeling right now.
Q: The team is currently in a great position. League Cup won, top of the league by quite a distance, still in the Scottish Cup and of course succeeding to the knockout stages of the Champions League with great strength in depth in the squad. How much are you looking forward to now being a part of our future success?
Jota: So much. I think, obviously, times have changed with new teammates and a new coach. But, the idea and the path that Celtic always aims to go forward, it's here. I think it's part of the DNA, and I just want to come and help as much as I can, to give my contribution to the team and to achieve big things just like in the past.
Q: So in the short term and maybe the medium term, what are you looking forward to?
Jota: To win matches, to give joy to the fans, the happiness of seeing the kids that come to Celtic Park? I think that's something that always made me really happy once I saw the young guys dreaming about it because I was once just like them. And, in the end, it's about winning titles. And that's what we are to do.
