Breaking News:Jota references Celtic spell as he explains why he made summer transfer move to France

Breaking News:Jota references Celtic spell as he explains why he made summer transfer move to France

As Jota prepares to make his debut for Stade Rennais this afternoon, the former Celtic winger was asked about what he expects from this new chapter in his career.

 

Jota made his move to the French Ligue 1 club this summer in a €8m move from Al-Ittihad and could be set to make his debut in the 2pm kick-off against Montpellier this afternoon.

The Portuguese winger spent a turbulent season in the Saudi Pro League after making his £25m move from Celtic and now in France, Jota will be hoping to kick-start his career this afternoon with a winning home debut.

 

Jota talks Celtic as he prepares for Stade Rennais debut

Many Celtic fans would have loved to have seen Jota back in the green and white Hoops but from this afternoon their former hero will be donning the red and black of Rennes.

 

And as he looked forward to making his debut in France, he referenced his time at Celtic after being asked about his expectations for the new season ahead.

At his pre-match press conference, Jota 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 has no regrets about moving to Saudi Arabia from Celtic

After having such a tough time in Saudi after enjoying a great two seasons at Celtic, many people would assume that Jota would have some regrets at making his move from Glasgow.

 

Not so says the Portuguese as he he admits he’s made his peace with the move and is putting the last twelve months behind him.

 

Jota continued, “I’m at peace with what happened in Saudi Arabia, I’m myself. Life goes on.

 

“I just have to be myself, be happy. It was probably one of the years when I learned the most.

“No, 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.

 

“A number of things attracted me to Rennes. Firstly, I think that any player would want to play in one of the five top leagues in Europe. And secondly, the club’s project itself. I think it’s is a great club to progress at.

 

Jota of Al Ittihad runs during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on April 5, 2024 in…

Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

“There’s a lot of talent, the atmosphere is good and the facilities are good too. There are very good foundations here for improving and performing against the best.”

 

Rennes announced the signing of Jota after by adopting his Celtic anthem, ‘Jota on the Wing’. And with his debut now just matter of hours away, they will be hoping that they will be singing his song again with a win.