Jota returns after 18 months out, says best is ahead

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Portuguese winger Jota has returned to action for Celtic after an 18-month injury absence, saying his best football is still to come.

Jota made his long-awaited first-team return last weekend in Celtic's 2-0 win at Motherwell after suffering cruciate ligament damage in April 2025. He then played 45 minutes in Sunday's 7-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Hearts, appearing as a substitute in both matches.

The 27-year-old Portuguese winger has told Celtic fans that the best of his football is yet to come. He said he is not thinking too far ahead but taking things day by day and trusting the recovery process. 'I'm very positive that good things will come,' he said. Jota was previously sold for a record £25 million and believes he can reach those standards again as he works his way back to full fitness.

Jota described his injury absence as having been painful because he wanted to help his teammates but could not. However, he said the ordeal has strengthened him mentally. He described having 'met some demons' during the layoff but said he has 'developed a good relationship' with them and has grown from the experience. 'There's no lost time because I grew a lot,' he said.

His game time will be restricted to domestic matches in the short term, as he is not in Celtic's Europa League squad.

How it is being reported

• Jota 'met some demons' during long injury absenceJota admits he "met some demons" during his long injury absence but believes there is no need to "rush" his return to full match fitness at Celtic.BBC Scotland · 19 Oct, 16:43
• Comeback king Jota makes Celtic pledge as winger quizzed on imminent milestone momentThe Portuguese winger is back in action after 18 months crocked and promised supporters they've yet to see the best of himDaily Record · 19 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Jota · Celtic · Motherwell · Hearts

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem