FILIPE JOTA picked up where he left off at Hampden the last time he performed at the national stadium,
The Portuguese cavalier said farewell to Celtic fans in fitting fashion by netting the killer goal in the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Inverness Caley Thistle on June 3 2023.
It was Jota’s last hurrah before the entertainer was lured to Saudia Arabia in a massive £25million switch to Al Ittihad a month later.
Now the dashing winger is back in the fold after his return in January via a brief spell in France with Rennes and he has recaptured the sparkling form that has made him such a favourite with the Hoops support.
JUNE 3 2023…a grounded Filipe Jota fires in Celtic’s third goal in the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Inverness Caley Thistle.
APRIL 20 2025…Filipe Jota comes in at the back post to net against St Johnstone to complete the scoring in the 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Johnstone.
Jota has hit the ground running in his second spell in Paradise and the flamboyant raider admitted: “There are millions of seasons for me to want to come back to this club.
“Obviously, to win titles in one of them, but just the happiness of playing games and enjoying every moment. I’ll always be grateful and mindful about it.”
The wide Bhoy, as he had done against the Highlanders almost two years ago, claimed the final goal as he finished off a right-wing cross from Alistair Johnston in the 5-0 Scottish Cup rout of St Johnstone yesterday.
It was Jota’s fifth goal since his comeback and, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “It’s something we work a lot on, the second post finishing. I’m always ready for any cross that comes from the opposite side.
“Credit to Ali because he put in an unbelievable ball and I was there to finish.
“We knew exactly what the assignment was and we did very well in the first-half by taking our chances – and then everything started to happen so quickly.
BHOY OH BHOY…Filipe Jota holds a young Celtic fan as they celebrate the Portuguese ace’s strike to make it 5-0 against St Johnstone.
“After that it was just a matter of keep on pushing and any opportunity and go against them, we will take it, and in the end we had a few more chances and luckily I had my opportunity.”
Jota, looking forward to returning to Hampden for the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen on Saturday May 24, added: “A player must be ready to play on any pitch, regardless of whether the stadium is different or the grass is different.
“So, I always try to be on my best capacity to perform and this was no different. I will always be ready.”
Next up is Tannadice on Saturday where the champions know a solitary point from Dundee United will seal their fourth successive title.
Jota, as always, is eager to play his part.
