If there was any Celtic fan who was not a fan of Jota returning this winter, their feelings must have changed after seeing the Portuguese winger shed tears at Fir Park. It was clearly an emotional moment for him following 18 months of disappointment and lack of opportunities, at both Al-Ittihad and Rennes.
Jota found himself back on the scoresheet for Celtic in his return game, as he got himself a goal against Motherwell away at Fir Park. He pulled out his famous celebration in the aftermath but that was not all.
As Jota headed back towards the centre circle, the cameras caught him in tears as the Celtic fans started to sing his song. The Portuguese had clearly missed life in Glasgow.
He probably missed playing football on a regular basis. He did not get that at either Al-Ittihad or Rennes.
Celtic: Kris Boyd slammed by fans for quip about Jota crying
Kris Boyd had a quip about the Jota moment after the game. As reported by the Daily Record, the Rangers player said when analysing the goal:
"The only thing missing from that pass from Maeda was a box of tissues."
Understandably, that joke did not go down well with many. One fan wrote: : "Kris Boyd’s comment on Jota needing a box of tissues is pretty sad. Are men not allowed to show emotion? More importantly are men in football not allowed to show emotion? No one knows what he has gone through in his career."
It is safe to say that Boyd missed the mark with his quip regarding Jota's tears. The Portuguese winger has certainly been through a tough time in his career and was happy to find himself back amongst the goals for a club he clearly loves.
One can only hope that there are more goals coming for Jota in the near future. It might take some time before we start seeing the best of him again as he has not played much football over the last 18 months. But this was as good as it gets when it comes to return games.