At the end of an emotional day and week Jota was a picture of happiness- as were the 3,500 away fans at Motherwell.
One hero had been lost to Rennes but there was consolation with the return of another from the same club.
Victor Wanyama, Virgil van Dijk, Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard had all arrived at Celtic, been admired and feted by the support then left for massive transfer fees with little prospect of being seen again in the hoops.
Jota seemed to be in the same group, two seasons of magic and memories but a £25m move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 seemed like the end of a brief but exciting and rewarding chapter in his career.
Celtic fans would always have their memories. The passes, the flicks, the Kyogo assist against Ferencvaros, the Derby Day goals and the iconic celebrations.
He’s back. pic.twitter.com/lqON9G6e6E
— The Celtic Way (@celticway1888) February 2, 2025
Absolute scenes it was written in the stars for Jota?? to score on his return? pic.twitter.com/vf1333vfGE
— •A1• (@A1_CELTIC) February 2, 2025
When you’ve not seen an old friend for a few years….It’s like he was never gone. pic.twitter.com/mRlRdGh1gA
— RaisedOnCeltic (@Raised_OnCeltic) February 2, 2025
On Sunday it was all back together again, the 18 month ‘nightmare’ was over. There were some new team-mates but Daizen, Reo, Callum and CCV were still there, behind the goal the fans were of course still there, and feasting on the return of some Latin creativity and magic.
In the 94th minute it all came together, the victory was sealed, five minutes later there was only one man to lead the post-match celebrations and he did it with style.
Back to base, wealthier from his travels and certainly happy to get the opportunity to pick up where he signed off at Hampden 19 months ago
Picture by Getty Images
J – ust
O – utstanding
T – ruly
A – mazing