Jota, the Al-Ittihad winger, seems to have addressed his critics by finally getting his career going in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite being a Treble winner with Celtic, Jota had a tough time in the Middle East after his £25m move from the Scottish Premiership. His former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, didn’t include him in the list of foreign players eligible for the league squad, leaving the 24-year-old overlooked by the defending Saudi champions. Consequently, he was limited to sporadic appearances in cup competitions and the occasional Asian Champions League game. However, under the current coach Marcelo Gallardo, he’s been given a chance to shine.
Having made his first appearance since December as a substitute in the win over Al-Akhoud last week, Jota was given a rare start by Gallardo in the game against Al-Fateh on Saturday. Scoring only his second goal since leaving Celtic Park last summer just before half-time, he celebrated emotionally, gesturing with his finger as he was embraced by his teammates. Jota took a moment to soak up the adoration from the fans before acknowledging his fellow substitutes on the bench, then turning to the camera with a beaming smile.
This action seemed to indicate that Jota is content with life in Jeddah, despite a challenging start to his Al-Ittihad career in the Pro League. Despite criticism for leaving Celtic and giving up the chance for Champions League football, as well as rumors of a return to European football by terminating his contract, Jota appears determined to succeed in his current environment.
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