Celtic winger Jota has responded to the iconic celebrations on Saturday after he assisted Liel Abada for the winner against Dundee United.
After supplying the cross and watching the finish smash into the net, Jota ran into the Celtic supporters with Josip Juranovic, standing on the advertising boards to receive the adulation of his people.
Asked about that euphoria in a Celtic TV interview today, Jota said: “I think that says how much Celtic means to me and how this adventure is going with me personally. I am really, really enjoying and loving this season with Celtic.
“I just want to keep on doing this and celebrate with the fans and bring the victories and help the team. The vibe has been really good in the dressing room, we are getting to know each other more and more day after day.”
Jota spoke with a massive grin on his face. No doubt, given the nature of the Celtic support, there will be a lot of analysing of what his comments mean and don’t mean for his long-term future at the Bhoys.
Celtic hold an option to buy him permanently from Benfica but there has been no indication this will be completed.
Personally, I’d try not to read too much into his comments and just enjoy them for what they are – an exciting player displaying obvious admiration for Celtic at a key point of the season.
Jota is only just coming back to full fitness from a debilitating hamstring injury, so there’s is plenty for him to focus on other than his future.
That includes tonight against Rangers where Jota will likely be a key player. He didn’t play at Ibrox last time the two sides met so this will be his first experience of the derby.
Backed by 60,000 fans, I can’t wait to see what the Portuguese brings to this fixture.
In other news, 4 changes, brilliant return from injury; Predicted Celtic XI for tonight’s derby.
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