In the modern world of players kissing the badge on a whim, the love between Jota and Celtic appeared an unbreakable bond.
Few players have copped less flak than what the mercurial winger suffered when he swapped Parkhead for the riches of Saudi Arabia in a £25m deal to Al-Ittihad. Yes, Celtic punters were gutted to see a bonafide hero go, however, there was an acceptance that the bumper fee plus the life-changing salary in Saudi was too much to turn down.
But the 25-year-old suffered an unmitigated disaster in the Middle East that started with being banished from Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League squad and didn’t improve during 18 months of recriminations and setbacks. And Jota is once again asking himself soul-searching questions as he has been reduced to a peripheral role at Rennes compared to his leading status under Ange Postecoglou.
Jota hasn’t played since December 15 and disciplinarian boss Jorge Sampaoli made clear the wide man isn’t in position to contribute on a regular basis. He was once again an unused substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Nice and that raises fresh doubts he could be set for another split. Jota appears a prime candidate for a loan exit – but there is no indication a return to the Scottish Premiership is on the horizon.
The lack of love has punters thinking back to his fond farewell to the greatest love of his life. Jota, speaking on his Celtic departure about the fans, said: “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 it matters. I think I’ve loved you more than them so believe me, I love you for life. No words will ever express how grateful I am for this ride. 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.”
A sizeable section of the Celtic support would love to reunite with one of their modern heroes but it appears likely it will be a case of ‘Tis Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all’.