Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:51 pm GMT
As he prepares to make his debut for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, former Celtic winger Jota has opened up about his expectations for this new chapter of his career. Following an impactful tenure at Celtic, Jota completed an £8 million transfer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad and is eager to showcase his skills against Montpellier this afternoon.
Reflecting on His Time at Celtic
Jota, who enjoyed a successful spell at Celtic before moving to Saudi Arabia, acknowledges that his experiences at both clubs are vastly different. While he was part of a team with high expectations at Celtic, he admits he doesn’t expect the same success at Rennes. “Whatever happens will happen, but I just want to be the best version of myself, achieve the club’s goals, and bring a lot of joy to the fans,” he stated at a pre-match press conference.
His stint in Saudi Arabia was marked by challenges. During his time with Al-Ittihad, Jota scored four goals in 16 league matches but was unable to replicate the success he enjoyed in Scotland. Despite facing difficulties, he expressed no regrets about his move, stating, “I’m at peace with what happened in Saudi Arabia… I’m proud of everything I’ve done; it’s made me the person I am today.”
New Opportunities in France
Jota’s move to Rennes was influenced by several factors. He emphasized the appeal of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues and praised Rennes for its positive atmosphere and strong foundation for player development. “I think it’s a great club to progress at. There’s a lot of talent, the atmosphere is good, and the facilities are good too,” he remarked.
Rennes head coach Julien Stéphan echoed Jota’s sentiments about the winger’s capabilities, describing him as possessing “subtlety in his game” and “technical ability in his first touch,” which sets him apart from many players. The club is looking forward to integrating Jota into the team and utilizing his experience to help achieve their objectives this season.
Anticipating the Debut
As the match against Montpellier approaches, excitement is building around Jota’s debut. The club has even adopted his Celtic anthem, ”Jota on the Wing,” a sign of the support he is expected to receive from the Rennes faithful. Jota understands the significance of his first appearance and aims to leave a positive impression.
“I think every place is different, so I’m not expecting this to be the same thing as I didn’t know what to expect when I joined Celtic,” he explained. His focus is on maintaining an open mind and adapting to the challenges that lie ahead in the French league.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Jota’s transition from Celtic to Al-Ittihad was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom were hopeful of his return to Glasgow. However, tax complications effectively halted any chance of a quick return to Celtic Park, allowing Jota to focus entirely on his new journey with Rennes.
The Portuguese winger views this new chapter as a pivotal time for personal and professional growth. He aims to contribute significantly to the squad and establish himself in a competitive league. “If I hadn’t done that, I might not be here,” he said, challenging any notion of regrets related to his past decisions.
The Road Ahead
With the season now underway, Jota’s successful integration into Rennes’ squad will be closely watched. The club has set ambitious goals, and Jota’s experience from his time at Celtic could be invaluable. As he embarks on this new journey, Jota is dedicated to making the most of his opportunities and helping his team thrive in France.
Fans and experts are excited to see how Jota’s skills grow in Ligue 1. How well he adjusts to this new league and what he learned from past experiences will be very important for having a great season with Rennes.
