Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'Forever yours' - Jota shares emotional Celtic farewell after Saudi transfer exit

Jota has shared an emotional farewell message to Celtic supporters after his transfer exit.

The Portuguese winger, 24, sealed a money-spinning transfer to Al-Ittihad last week.

Celtic banked in the region of £25million in the transfer with Benfica due to a cut through a sell-on clause.

After official confirmation from Al-Ittihad of the move, Celtic released a short statement and accompanying video of Jota during his time in Scotland.

And now, Jota has shared an emotional message with Celtic supporters, players and staff.

He said: "No words will ever express how grateful I am for this ride. Let me tell you something...what a f***ing ride.

"I was scared, I had doubts and I didn't know what to expect from something that in the end turned out to be one of the most beautiful stories ever.

"People often ask me what is so special about Celtic and I think there's no straight answer, there's no fair answer for that.

"The answer lies in such a deep feeling, a sense, an emotion.

"There is this mystical fog flowing around Celtic Park that induces you to this sense of football edge.

"This football heritage gave us unforgettable moments. And you can't just explain it, you need to feel it, you need to respect it.

"I'm such a lucky man to have lived two years of full excitement and getting to evolve as a football player and as a person.

"To the players, to the staff and for all of the involved departments, a big thank you from me. You guys made me better.

"To the fans, and I always say this, you guys found a way of loving me more than my previous girlfriends. And I guarantee you that, we were crazy in love.

"For what matters, I think I have loved you more than them so believe me, I'll love you for life.

"I have recently learned that happiness is not found at the finishing line, it lies in the path. It definitely lies in the path.

"I'm grateful for every raindrop in Glasgow, every trip to the Highlands and wow, those were long, every bit of Glaswegian banter and so it goes on, so many stories, so many things to remember.

"Celtic will always definitely have a special place in my heart and one day my biggest dream will be just to sit down with my kids and tell them about how magical and special this place is because life is all about stories and this one was just unbelievable.

"Today, I become another fan, the ones that live and make the club. Forever yours."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.