I’m never going on holiday again. Hear me out. The last time I went on my travels, Kieran Tierney left Celtic to join Arsenal. The time before that, it was Brendan Rodgers travelling to England to join Leicester City.
And now, quite literally the day I went on annual leave this year, Jota leaves Celtic to join Al-Ittihad. So that’s it. No more holidays for this guy anytime soon.
But seriously, the blow of losing Jota cannot be underestimated. The Portuguese winger was superb in helping Ange Postecoglou restore Celtic as champions of Scotland in his first season and then follow that up with a superb treble last season.
His goals and assists, especially against Rangers, were crucial to our success and his trickery and skill on the wing made the support fall in love with the 24-year-old really quickly. And from his message last night to the Celtic support, it is clear those feelings are reciprocated.
But there have been many people in the game that have questioned Jota’s decision to leave European football for the little-known Saudi league.
And whilst the reported figures that Jota is set to receive as a salary are in the realms of fantasy, he has been defended for making the move by Al-Ittihad Assistant Manager, Ian Cathro.
Cathro said [The Herald], “I understand these opinions.
“It would be completely foolish not to say that I understand them.
“But I think the people who make these public comments are guys who haven’t had the phone call offering them those contracts. I think there is an element of that. It becomes a really, really easy thing to say.
“In the past year I have learned, with the experiences I have had, that we shouldn’t disrespect people’s love and passion for football in different places. Football isn’t owned by anyone. It is played all over the world and it is important that is respected.
“All of the other opinions? To be honest, I don’t want to be brought into that. I understand the view, we all do obviously, the headlines are the headlines. But I think most people who try and make some noises are probably doing so because they haven’t had the call offering them that.
“I imagine if they got offered what they are referring to then they would probably shut up pretty quickly – and be looking for a pen!”
And who can argue with that? Anyone offered that kind of life-changing money would find it extremely difficult to turn down. It’s the sort of money that can help set up your family for generations to come.
Also, Jota is getting the opportunity to play alongside the likes of N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema so he does have the chance to learn from two of the biggest names in football.
Whatever your views are on the move, if Jota can replicate the kind of form he has shown for Celtic, there is no denying that he will be a very popular player in the Saudi league.
And at just 24 years old, he still has plenty of time to make his mark in Europe should he look to return at the end of his contract.
In other news, Report: Cameron Carter-Vickers targets Celtic’s opening season fixture for injury return
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