'Forever yours': Jota thanks Celtic fans in emotional leaving message

Former Celtic star Jota has thanked Celtic and their supporters and says the club will always hold a special place in his heart as he departs after two years at the club.

The Portuguese winger left the Hoops to join Saudi club Al-Ittihad in a big money move last week but insists his love for the club will never leave him.

Posting on Instagram on Sunday he said: “No words will ever express how grateful I am for this ride, let me tell you something: what a f****** ride.

“I stepped into Paradise as a young lad with dreams to fulfil and a single goal, to find happiness doing what I love most. I was scared and 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 feel like there’s no straight answer. There’s no straight answer for that.

“The answer lies in a deep feeling, a sense, an emotion. There’s a mystical flowing around Celtic Park that induces you to this sense of football edge.

“This football heritage gave us some unforgettable moments, and you just can’t explain it. You need to feel it and you need to respect it.

“I am such a lucky man to have lived two years full of excitement, getting to evolve as a football player and as a person.

“To the players, to the staff and 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 any of my previous girlfriends, and I guarantee you that we were crazy in love, and I think I loved you more than them, so believe me, I’ll love you for life.

“I’ve recently learned that happiness does not come at the finishing line but it lies in the path.

“I am grateful for every raindrop in Glasgow, every trip to the Highlands, and wow they were long, every bit of Glaswegian banter and so it goes on. So many stories so many things to remember.

“Celtic will always have a special place in my heart and one day my biggest dream will be to sit down with my kids and tell them about how magical and special that 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.”

The 24-year-old won five trophies at Celtic since joining from Benfica, initially on loan, in 2021 including a treble last season.