It’s brilliant to have Jota back in Celtic colours.
You are almost forgetting that Kyogo Furuhashi left Celtic because the man who came in the other way is lighting up the place like never before.
Yes, Jota isn’t a direct replacement for Kyogo, but he is certainly helping fill that goalscoring void left by the Japan star.
That was proven on Saturday afternoon when Celtic beat Dundee United 3-0 and Jota scored his first goal at home since re-joining the club.
There were those emotional scenes at Motherwell at the start of the month, but this was far better because it was in front of a packed-out Celtic Park.
Given what Jota has been through since leaving the club in 2023, it’s fair to say that he has needed the lift from those in green and white colours.
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Jota grateful for Celtic support
You aren’t going to hear a bigger roar than when Jota’s name is rung out, he is coming off the bench or when he is on the ball.
That was put to the 25-year-old after he netted against Dundee United and how it must be ‘quite a feeling’.
Jota told Celtic TV that it’s ‘definitely something special’ and nobody in his career has showered him with such support.
Celtic TV host asked: “How did it feel to get your first goal back here at Celtic Park? The emotion of the fans. We can hear it when your name is announced in the team before the match.
“You can hear the roars when you are on the ball. It must be quite a feeling?”
Jota responded: “Yes, it’s definitely something special. I think Celtic fans always make me feel so well and so happy.
“They have given me something no-one has ever given to me. So, in the end, I just want to give them back and to give this happiness. To enjoy, giving the best of myself on the pitch and then, as a group, deliver by winning titles as well.”
Jota’s incredible return in numbers
Given that Jota had played less than 400 minutes for Rennes before returning to Glasgow, you did wonder where his fitness would be at.
But, the Portuguese star looks as fresh as ever and it’s showing in his performances.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes | |
 | Premiership | 3 | 2 | 1 | 149′ |
Jota is playing well that it’s starting the debate as to whether he should be in the XI for Celtic’s return leg against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
That argument is made stronger by many also wanting the in-form Daizen Maeda to play up top in Munich.
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