Celtic winger Jota paid tribute to Alistair Johnston post-match after netting off the bench against St Johnstone this afternoon. Johnston played a wonderful cross for Jota’s goal, and the Portuguese winger was clearly very appreciative of Johnston’s hard work.
Jota also revealed that days like this afternoon were one of the many reasons he returned to Celtic in January.
He said: (Celtic FC), “Yeah, it’s something that we work a lot on, like the second post finishing, and I’m always ready for any cross that comes from the opposite side. And today I think credit to Ali (Johnston) because he put an unbelievable ball and I was there to do it.
“Well, I think a player must be ready to play in any pitch, regarding if the stadium is different, the grass is different. So I always try to be on my best capacities to perform and this was no different. So I will always be ready.
“I think we knew exactly what the assignment was and we did very well in the first half, like taking our chances. And then everything just started to happen so quickly. Then it was just a matter of keep on pushing and any opportunity to play and to go against them, we will take it. And I think in the end we tried a bit more and we had some chances and luckily I had my opportunity.
“I think there’s millions of reasons for me to want to come back to this club. Obviously, winning titles is one of them, but just the happiness of playing games, enjoying every moment as little as it is, I think I will always be grateful and mindful about it.”
Jota will be hoping his impact off the bench is enough to earn a starting spot against Dundee United at Tannadice next Saturday. With a draw enough to secure a 55th league title, Jota will be desperate to play his part in what promises to be an exciting afternoon.
His return to Celtic has only just gotten started, but it’s clear that he’s motivated to add to his already great Celtic legacy.
