Jota makes blunt claim about Celtic exit despite Al-Ittihad nightmare

Jota's spell at Celtic might not have been long but it was certainly impactful. He was one of the signings made during the summer of 2021, soon after Ange Postecoglou was appointed as manager of the club. In the aftermath of the 20/21 campaign, there was not a lot of positivity around Parkhead and considering the Portuguese winger's career trajectory until then, not many fans were convinced that he would make a difference for the Hoops.

Jota had been a standout while coming through the youth ranks at Benfica and had even been linked with a move to Real Madrid at one point. But he failed to deliver at the senior level for the club. A loan spell at Real Valladolid was not much better either.

Postecoglou certainly got the best out of Jota though. He was tremendous on loan in the 21/22 season and was signed on a permanent basis the following summer.

After another excellent campaign in Celtic colours, Jota would move to Al-Ittihad in a £25 million transfer, a then Scottish record. But it quickly became clear that it was a mistake. The Portuguese winger barely featured for them and was being linked with a move away mere months after joining the club.

Jota makes blunt claim about Celtic exit despite Al-Ittihad nightmare

Jota has finally returned to Europe. He has joined Rennes this summer for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £8 million.

It is quite clear that Jota's spell at Al-Ittihad was not a successful one. But he has made it clear that he does not regret making the move. As reported by The National, he said:

"It was probably one of the years when I learned the most.

"I have no regrets. I’m proud of everything I’ve done, it’s made me the person I am today. If I hadn’t done that, I might not be here."

While Jota did not play much at Al-Ittihad, it certainly could have been a learning curve for him, not just as a player but also as a person. Now, it remains to be seen how he does at Rennes.