“It touched me because I didn’t expect it and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life”- “Former Celtic star Jota Left SHOCKED and Heartbroken after BRUTAL Criticism from Rennes Boss
After leaving Al-Ittihad, Jota might have hoped his career struggles were behind him, but he now finds himself facing another crucial turning point at Stade Rennes.
The 25-year-old winger endured a tough spell in the Saudi Pro League following his £25million move from Celtic in the summer of 2023. After a promising start, he quickly fell out of favor at Ittihad and began considering a return to Europe. His move to Ligue 1 with Rennes initially appeared to offer a career revival, as he impressed under Julian Stéphan, despite Rennes’ challenging start to the season.
However, following Stéphan’s departure earlier this month, Jorge Sampaoli was appointed as Rennes’ new manager, and Jota was immediately dropped from the starting lineup. He made just a 10-minute cameo in Sampaoli’s first match in charge and had another brief appearance in the 5-0 victory over Saint-Étienne. After the match, Sampaoli addressed his decision to leave the £6.7m summer signing on the bench, stating, “Why was Jota on the bench at the start of the match? For me, he’s primarily a winger, not an interior player who can help balance the team.”
This development could see Jota facing yet another club change after less than six months in France. Just a month ago, he had spoken fondly of his time at Celtic, expressing how much he valued his experience at Parkhead. In an interview in France, he reflected, “You had to be in Glasgow at that moment to feel it. Playing at Celtic Park, feeling the love of the fans, having the chance to be coached by an incredible coach (Ange Postecoglou) in a group where everything turned out well. I hope one day to be able to show my children what it was like, all the love I received. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. It touched me because I didn’t expect it. When they started singing, it was a very special moment.”
