Jota has put down his Portugal World Cup provisional squad call-up down to Celtic in what he labels a 'very good moment'.
The Hoops star - who returned from injury in the final stages against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena - was included as part of a 55-man list for the Qatar 2022 finals. Superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all feature in a star-studded pool of talent.
Ange Postecoglou moved to pluck Jota from Benfica on an initial loan deal last season before turning the transfer into a permanent stay in Glasgow for close to £7million. He's been a key player during his time at the club and established himself as a firm fans' favourite. He played a major role in reclaiming the Premiership crown from Rangers last season and landing the Premier Sports Cup while his return yesterday included winning a penalty and hitting the back of the net all inside an 11 minute cameo.
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Speaking about being included in Fernando Santos' thoughts, the Celtic winger said: “It’s a very good moment for me and for my family. I’m just grateful for everything that is going on. Two years ago I was not even playing for any club. I was at a club of course, but I wasn’t having many minutes.
“Two years later, to be on this 55-man list is something very good for me, but this is just another step. I just need to keep working and enjoying it on the pitch, and everything will come naturally.
"You cannot just be obsessed with those kinds of things. I wake up every day with the mentality of being a better person and a better football player, and building a strong base to be better. I’m happy to be playing again, It was a very important moment for me coming back from injury, but most of all it was about the victory for the team.
"I think in football we have to be ready for these kinds of situations. Although we can be very professional, some injuries always come up because we cannot control everything, it’s just like it works with life, you cannot control everything."
Celtic face Real Madrid on Wednesday to bring an end to the Champions League campaign and European football for this season.
Jota is ready to be unleashed against Los Blancos - but says that decision ultimately will be decided by boss Postecoglou.
He added: "That’s not a question for me, that’s a question for the gaffer. If he is ready to put me in, I am ready to fight for him, for the team and for the club. So that is up to him. In my opinion, every game is a good stage. You are always under evaluation from your coach, other teams, your previous teams, Celtic, everyone.
“You just need to be ready for everything and to keep on the level, and to be very consistent. That’s very important in football.”
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