Jota reveals key reason why he signed for Celtic permanently

It is official, Jota is here to stay. Celtic announced the signing of the Portuguese winger on a permanent basis earlier on a five-year deal and it has come at the perfect time, after some fans had started to worry that the club could end up facing a stumbling block at the final stage. This is a major boost for Ange Postecoglou and his side, as he was a key reason behind the club’s Premiership and League Cup double last season.

Celtic had an option to buy included in the loan deal of around £6.4 million and they have triggered that, making Jota one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.

The biggest question surrounding the transfer chase was whether Jota would want to return to Parkhead or look for something different in his future. A chance to play regular first-team football for his boyhood club, Benfica, might have been attractive. Also, clubs around Europe must have also taken notice of his performances last season.

Fortunately, he has decided to move to Celtic, and it appears that the chance to be part of those legendary European nights with the Hoops played its part in that decision. As reported by The Scotsman, he said:

"“Champions League is probably the best club competition in the world.“Of course it is always a trigger for a player to come and play in the Champions League, we have to be honest about that and I am no exception.“It is something that I really like and everyone kept saying me, ‘Jota, it is something special so you better stay at Celtic’.“I have already made my debut in the Champions League with Benfica.“I know the atmosphere and the feeling but every club is different so here it will be different.”"

Jota reveals key reason behind his permanent move to Celtic

Celtic won the Scottish Premiership last season, against all odds and expectations, having finished 25 points behind the Rangers in the previous campaign. The reward for that was a guaranteed spot in the Champions League group stage.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, Jota scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 40 appearances for Celtic last season. Importantly, not only did he impress in domestic competitions but in Europe as well.

Hopefully, the Portuguese winger will be able to make an impact when Celtic come up against heavyweights in the Champions League next season.