Celtic winger Jota has spoken publicly for the first time since being ruled out for six to nine months with a serious knee injury sustained during the title-clinching win over Dundee United.
The Portuguese fan favourite was forced off during the celebrations at Tannadice, with Brendan Rodgers later confirming the 26-year-old had suffered a significant setback. He now faces a long rehabilitation process, with late 2025 to early 2026 looking like the most realistic timeline for his return to action.
But in typical fashion, Jota has chosen to face the challenge with a positive outlook. Taking to Instagram, he addressed supporters directly and offered a philosophical take on what lies ahead.
“So, just passing by to let yous’ know from myself.
“Obviously pretty sh*** and all of that stuff buuuttt, the amount of crazy worse things that could have happen is huge right
“I’ve made my professional debut about 10 years ago. I believe now this being life whistling for the career half time break and giving me this deep inner breath to get me ready for the 2nd half of this ride. (and mannn, how exciting it will be)
“I’ll now retreat, allow the wounds to naturally heal and give me the opportunity to embrace the growth that only stillness and pain can teach.
“things are about to slow down, and as a good friend once told me.. “ Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast”.
“See you very soon, Love you all!”
Jota’s absence will be a huge loss for Celtic heading into next season, but his words show a maturity and mindset that should stand him in good stead during the long road to recovery.
It’s a sucker blow for Jota, who was still getting up to speed after making a January return to Celtic. It will likely force Celtic into the transfer market to reinforce their attacking options in the summer.
The club and its fans will be hoping to see him back at his dazzling best when the “second half” of his career kicks off.
