FILIPE JOTA sealed his Celtic comeback when he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal today.
The fans’ favourite left 18 months ago on a record-equalling £25million switch to Saudi Arabia before a quickfire move to French outfit Rennes last summer.
Away from Paradise things haven’t worked out for the colourful Portuguese winger who originally signed a £6million permanent contract in the summer of 2022 after his impressive one-season loan from Benfica.
Jota hit the ground running in his debut campaign as he played his role in the Premiership returning to the east end of Glasgow for the tenth time in 11 years.
WELCOME HOME…Filipe Jota is smiles better as he chats in the Parkhead boardroom about his extraordinary return. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Injury kept him out of the side that won the League Cup in December 2021 with a 2-1 win over Hibs with Kyogo Furuhashi claiming a double. Ironically, the Japanese striker is now on his way to the French club.
Jota departed the Hoops as a treble winner after the domestic clean sweep in his second season, 2022/23 – and he’s back to pick up where he left off.
The 25-year-old wide Bhoy said: “It’s very nostalgic for me because it was such an amazing feeling and all the moments that I felt through my two seasons here.
“I’m just delighted to be back, I’m really excited and I just can’t wait to start.
“The best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic obviously, is the people and I feel like I need a place with soul, where I feel at home.
“This is definitely something I was looking for and I think there is no better match than Celtic.
“I’m so excited. The last year and a half has had its ups and downs, but that’s life and that’s how football is. Now I just can’t wait to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”
PARADISE REGAINED…Filipe Jota and the adoring Celtic fans.
Jota revealed the pivotal role Brendan Rodgers played in his return and, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “The manager was crucial in me coming here because he told me what he wanted from day one.
“We had really good discussions and we were very honest and, in the end, we believed in each other.
“For me, that’s the most important thing – someone who believes in me and someone I believe in. And I think it’s a really exciting time to be working with someone who has achieved so much and who is giving so much joy and happiness to the Celtic family.”
Jota added: “Times have changed with new team-mates and a new coach, but the idea and the path that Celtic always aims for is to go forward and it’s here, it’s part of the DNA.
“I just want to come and help as much as I can and to contribute to the team and achieve big things, just like in the past.
“The aim is to win matches, give joy to the fans and, in the end, it’s about winning titles and that’s what we are here to do.”
First time around, Jota scored 28 goals in 83 appearances and is standing by for his second Celtic debut when he is expected to play at least part of the Premiership encounter against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.