Benfica fans have handed Jota an emotional send off after he committed his future to Celtic on a five-year-deal with the Scottish champions.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a spectacular season last time out during a loan spell from the Portuguese giants, playing a crucial part in the side’s Premiership title win. The loan deal included an option to buy for €7.5m (£6.5m), and now the Hoops have triggered the clause to bring the back to the east end of Glasgow on a permanent basis.
The winger appeared 29 times for Celtic after arriving in September last year, and finished the campaign as the club’s top assist provider with 10 of those coming in the league - the second highest tally behind James Tavernier. The move brings the curtain down on Jota's 15-year association with Benfica have come through the youth ranks at the club.
Following his departure, the Lisbon side shared a send off to Jota with some of highlights from his academy days on route to the senior set-up. They added the caption 'Obrigado, Jota' to the video which showed goals and tricks from Celtic's latest recruit.
That sparked an outpouring from Benfica fans with well wishes for the outgoing star. One said: "Sad to see him go after a great season in Scotland. Best of luck, Jota!"
Another was gutted to see the player leave without having a run in the first-team. They added: "I'm sorry he left like this, without even having a chance to shine for his club, but it is what it is."
A supporter was more scathing of his club after letting the talent go: "Investing in the athlete's training, seeing him shine at the various levels and standing out at the professional level (II Liga), so that in the end he doesn't give him a real opportunity and "offer" it to another club. Absolutely ruinous management."
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