Jota makes Celtic reference while talking to Rennes

It has only been a little over a year since Jota left Celtic to join Al-Ittihad. It does feel a lot longer than that though, and understandably so, considering how much has happened over that period of time. The Hoops went on to win a Premiership and Scottish Cup double in Brendan Rodgers' return season at Parkhead even though they were shaky throughout the 23/24 campaign.

On the other hand, Jota's Al-Ittihad adventure is already over. The Portuguese winger was never able to establish himself at the club and after being linked with a move away for almost a year, he was finally able to seal an exit.

Jota joined Rennes this summer for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £8 million. Many Celtic fans have wondered why the club did not try bringing him back, considering the kind of figure he was available for.

As for Jota, he now finds himself in a top five European league. But at the same time, he has plenty to prove as well after the nightmare spell at Al-Ittihad.

Jota makes Celtic reference while talking to Rennes

Jota seems to have a fresh mind, now that he is at the French club. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he told Stade Rennais’ official website:

"I think every place is different so I’m not expecting this to be the same thing as I didn’t know what to expect what Celtic was.

“So I don’t make assumptions or whatever. It will go the way it has to go and it will flow the way it has to be.

“So I’m just open-minded and have my eyes opened for everything and just want to be the best version of myself and to help everyone to achieve their goals in the club and to give a lot of joy to the supporters as well."

Jota came off the bench for Rennes recently. One would hope that his role in the team grows rapidly over time as the season progresses.

It will be interesting to see whether Jota is able to get his career back on track after how things turned out at Al-Ittihad for him. He won five trophies during his time at Celtic and was a favourite amongst the supporters. Naturally, they miss their 'superstar from Portugal' and would want to see him succeed in France with Rennes.