Jota says he 'needed a place with a soul' after securing Celtic reunion

Jota says he “needed a place with a soul” after securing a return to Celtic on a five-year-deal following unsuccessful spells in Saudi Arabia and France.

The Portuguese winger left Parkhead for Al-Ittihad 18 months ago before returning to Europe to sign for Ligue 1 side Rennes in the summer.

But the 25-year-old has only made 10 appearances this season, with his last start coming back in October, and hasn’t kicked a ball competitively this month.

Moves were put in place last week for a dramatic return to Glasgow, where he was a fan’s favourite for two seasons under Ange Postecoglou, last week and Celtic confirmed the signing on Monday.

He has signed a deal that commits him to the Scottish champions until 2030, with forward Kyogo going the other direction.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the move was officially announced, Jota said: “It’s very nostalgic for me because it was such an amazing feeling and all the moments that I felt through my two seasons here, and I’m just delighted to be back. I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to start.

“The best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic obviously, is the people and I feel like I need a place with soul, where I feel at home. This is definitely something I was looking for, and I think there is no better match than Celtic.

“The last year-and-a-half has had its ups and downs, but that’s life and that’s how football is. Now I just can’t wait to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”

He revealed the pivotal role manager Brendan Rodgers played in his return to Celtic Park and says he can’t wait to get going.

He said: “The manager was crucial in me coming here because he told me what he wanted from day one,” the player explained.

“We had really good discussions and we were very honest and, in the end, we believed in each other.

“For me, that’s the most important thing – someone who believes in me and someone that I believe in. And I think it’s a really exciting time to be working with someone who has achieved so much and who is giving so much joy and happiness to the Celtic family.

“Times have changed with new team-mates and a new coach but the idea and the path that Celtic always aims for is to go forward and it’s here, it’s part of the DNA.

“I just want to come and help as much as I can and to contribute to the team and achieve big things, just like in the past.

“The aim is to win matches and give joy to the fans, and in the end it’s about winning titles and that’s what we are here to do.”

After initially signing on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2021, Jota made the move permanent after a successful first season in the Hoops.

He scored 28 goals in 83 appearances at Celtic, helping the club win a double in his first year and treble in the second, scoring against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the 2023 Scottish Cup final.