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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Ex-Celtic ace Jota shares Al-Ittihad bromance with Karim Benzema and co in club video

Jota has already got down to work with his new club Al Ittihad and the bromance appears to be flowing already with his teammates.

The 24-year-old made the permanent switch following two years in Glasgow, having spent one season on loan from Benfica before signing a permanent contract.

Jota helped Celtic to two league titles during his time with the club, scoring 27 goals over a two-year spell in all competitions.

He followed a number of high-profile players in joining the Saudi Pro League and became Al-Ittihad’s third signing of the summer after former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante signed for the club.

The trio were filmed on the club's social media channels as they met up with manager Nuno Espirito Santos ahead of training.

All players shared a moment with their new boss as they prepared for training.

Jota sent a heartfelt message to Celtic after he departed the club last week. In a video on his social media, 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."

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