Jota managed to nab himself a man-of-the-match award for his goal and general performance this afternoon against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Balckburn Rovers side. Post-match he revealed his delight at being back home – this time pemannently – and playing in front of that famous Parkhead crowd.
The winger looked to be enjoying the occasion in all his splendour, even pulling out the back of tricks and flicks, much to the delight and amusement of the home support. On his return, he said: “Well fantastic! It’s an amazing feeling to be back and to play to these amazing fans. I think we are building a strong season. The team is feeling good. Game after game, we are getting better. And that’s what we are looking for.”
Jota, sensational 🔥🇵🇹pic.twitter.com/0rJATu6uAk
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) July 16, 2022
When asked about the competitiveness of the fixture itself, as there were quite a few yellow cards for a run-of-the-mill friendly match, he replied: “Of course. We know that the Championship teams are always really tough, aggressive and intense. So that’s what we are looking for. Game after game I think we are getting better. So yeah, we just need to keep on working every day and be ready for the first game.”
This coming Monday the fans will have the chance to see Jota and their other hero’s up close and personal, as their is a training session scheduled in for Celtic Park before they fly out to Poland to play in Warsaw against former European foes Legia.
The match promises to be an intense affair, with there being a significant amount of bad-blood and raw emotion between the two sets of fans in the aftermath of the Champions League qualifying debacle of 2014. However, one would hope that all fans can join in appreciation of a dyed-in-the-wool legend at both club’s – Artur Boruc.
Jota was cheekily asked if his repertoire of tricks and flicks would be on display for the entertainment of the supporters, but his answer was very telling. He immediately reacted: “Well no. There will be a lot of runs, a lot of sacrifice, and a lot of sweat.” Wow. This season is shaping up to be an absolute stormer, judging by the temperament and focus of everyone under Ange Postecoglou’s watch.
Watch Jota give his post-match thoughts:
Paul Gillespie
