Eighteen months after leaving Celtic for the riches of Saudi Arabia Jota was back in the hoops and scoring a vital goal in the 3-1 win away to Motherwell.
Jota was a 65th minute replacement for Nicolas Kuhn, moving onto the right wing then switching to the left when Daizen Maeda moved into the centre after Adam Idah was replaced.
Despite dominating possession Celtic were only a goal in front as the clock ticked away through the second half.
Jota had threatened a couple of times, there wasn’t much lacking in sharpness but he had an played an hour less than the others on the pitch.
?? “Jota is back!”
? The winger marks his return to Celtic with a late goal ?? pic.twitter.com/6FZH7LNj1x
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2025
Into the third minute of stoppage time Maeda broke down the right, looked up then cut the ball back to the returning hero who steered the ball into the net in front of the away support.
There was a trademark celebration then some tears, at the final whistle Jota led the celebrations with an equally emotional return to Celtic Park beckoning on Wednesday when Dundee are the visitors.
Picture by Getty Images
Brilliant what a return for Jota.
Jota looked like he had never been away!
Back to Tenalady Heevins and that article today he still can’t help himself by stoll having a go at Celtic,but giving a bit lip service/apology to Idah.
Didn’t think we’d see that trademark celebration again–how lucky are we to have Jota back, and loving life again…brilliant moment!
Jotaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !
On the wing – And in the net !!!
What a result, a result of good over bad, of Celtic over freemasonry, and of that rare thing with a common name, justice.
A Celtic fairytale, GIRUY finish! Maeda was what Daizen is and my clear MOTM. His opener so early and we were off and obstructed as usual. M’well equalise but Beaton (on VAR) doesn’t see the push on CCV by the ultimate scorer? FN CHEAT! Idah scores a terrific 2nd goal and they bring it back for earlier ‘alleged’ offside and draw more weird lines on the VAR pic? FN CHEAT! But ultimately we get that fairytale finish. Daizen, unselfishly looks for the cross and finds Jota and THAT is what Celtic FC is all about.
The PLC and its boak-inducing chairman? One day………..
But I’ll give the bastard this, he knows how to create his master Desmond’s ‘other’ empire and how to staff it with spineless clowns like Nichoson. And how to ‘milk’ it.
A club milked like no other. Aye, one day……..