New Celtic forward Jota has refused to be drawn on his future after this season, and just wants to focus on football.
Celtic agreed a £6m permanent option for the Benfica attacker, according to Sky Sports. As is always the case with loan players, Bhoys fans and media alike will wonder whether the Hoops will land the exciting young Portuguese forward on a permanent basis.
Jota, however, gave short shrift to questions about his future. The steely Portuguese forward sounded determined to focus on the present, and letting the future decide itself.
In a more serious tone, the Celtic loanee said [Celtic TV]:
“I don’t think on that. I just want to keep playing football. The terms are the terms, and the most important thing for me right now is just to play.
“I want just to forget about anything else, and try to enjoy a lot. To meet the players, to get the dynamic, and help them as much as I can.
“That’s my idea and the focus.”
Jocular Jota serious about getting on with the job at hand – performing for Celtic
In what was, by any measure, an outstanding first press conference, Jota shared some fantastic anecdotes, as well as generally appearing likeable and funny throughout. Not only that, there’s clearly a real drive to the Portuguese 22-year-old.
Speaking in English for the entirety of press conferences with mainstream press and then fan media, Jota seemed delighted to answer questions. Even tough ones, including one about his availability to face Ross County.
However, this was perhaps his one serious moment. And in fairness to him, you can’t blame him for changing the tone a bit. He’s a guy that needs to reassert himself having shone at youth level.
Because his future, ultimately, is for him to decide. Granted, Celtic have the option on him, but that doesn’t tie him down to anything. First, he’ll want to get settled, play as well as he can for the club, and win games. He was very specific about doing the latter.
Will he earn a permanent move? Moreover, will he want one? Time will tell.
What we do know is that we’ve brought a personable and talented young prospect who could be an excellent bit of business.
In other news: The man Jota is replacing makes heartening Celtic claim
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