Celtic winger Jota has reflected on his appearances in the UEFA Champions League, that has made him hungry for more.
After an incredibly successful loan spell from Benfica in the 2021/22 campaign, the Portuguese attacker made his permanent return to Parkhead in the summer.
Of course, having lifted the Scottish Premiership title, this also meant that Jota would be embarking upon playing in those special Champions League nights at Paradise.
Although the excitement would have still been sky high for the winger, this season wouldn’t have been the first time he would be playing at Champions League level after making two appearances in the competition for his boyhood club.
However, as we are all aware, there aren’t many nights in football that compare to the Champions League atmosphere inside Parkhead under the lights.
The 23-year-old recently reflected on his previous and current experiences in the prestigious competition, insisting that he wants to keep delivering on the big stage whilst at Celtic.
Jota also opened up on what is needed for the Hoops to be successful in the competition, after picking up one point from their first two games, as he stated that being clinical is crucial should you hope to compete amongst the very best.
Speaking to the Celtic View, he said: “First of all, what I can say about the Champions League is that it’s very fast, teams play very fast football.
“It will be nice to be back in it, and our idea of the game is already fast and intense, so we will be fine on that aspect.
“Then it’s just all about the quality because the best teams and the best clubs will be there, and there are not many mistakes.
“The best teams are the ones that can score the most with the smallest amount of opportunities, so we need to be clinical, and we need to enjoy every game because playing Champions League is something that every kid dreams about.
“I dreamed about it when I was young, and right now, I will have it again, and I’m so excited to play in front of these fans and for this shirt.’
“I would have to say I got quite emotional when I walked onto the pitch for the first time and listened to the Champions League anthem when I made my debut, that was a very emotional moment for me and my family.
“I’ve never missed a Champions League weekday since I was a kid, so it’s just tremendously proud for me and my family, and I just want to keep on delivering and have these amazing experiences because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.”
Incredible Champions League nights should provide Celtic stars with motivation to continue playing at the top.
If competing at the very top level wasn’t enough motivation for Ange Postecoglou’s squad, then sampling those special Champions League nights at Paradise should do it.
It has been an extremely exciting few months to be involved with Celtic, whether that be as a player or even a supporter, due to the return of those nights.
However, it is so crucially important that we don’t just rest on those laurels and we continue to push for Champions League football on a consistent basis.
Thankfully, it seems as though for the next few years at least, a place at the top table in club football should be all but guaranteed for the Scottish Premiership winners.
So, whilst we may get excited by the Celtic Park atmosphere, it is also important we take that motivation back over to domestic matters in order to continue our status as a Champions League club.
All the right stuff is coming out of the club at the moment with regards to that, including Jota’s latest interview, with the winger looking to continue delivering for the Parkhead faithful.
In other news, Ex-Celtic midfielder takes up English management role after Germany spell.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
