Jota believes he and his Celtic teammates showed that they are made of tough stuff as they battled it out with Rangers to gain an important three points in the Scottish Premiership title race on Saturday.
The winger didn’t have his most influential game in a Hoops jersey, but he still found the net alongside striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who grabbed an impressive double.
Ange Postecoglou’s side were far from their free flowing best against their nearest challengers in the country, but there was still an aura of comfort about their victory at Parkhead.
On the performance of the team, Portuguese star Jota explained: “I was very happy about the result on Saturday. It was an amazing shift from the lads.
“This is something we have been working on since day one. I am just grateful to be part of this team and this amazing football club. And we go on.
“Never giving up is definitely the mantra behind the way we play. We know that the standards are really high in this football team and we just want to be better versions every day. And Saturday was no different. We always try to be better.
“In games like this you always have to push hard in every aspect of the game and in the first stages of the game. Saturday was no different. We need to be the best versions of ourselves to be on a higher level if we want to get the win and yes, I am just happy that we did it.”
Jota found the back of the net on 73 minutes after capitalising on a devastating defensive error from John Souttar, before gathering possession and rounding goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
The Celtic frontman looked second favourite in the race to the ball, but his lightening pace ensured he got there ahead of the on-rushing veteran McGregor.
On his goal and overall performance, Jota said: “We must believe every time we get the chance to do something. It was no different this time. It felt like I could reach the ball. And I just tried to press the most I could. In the end, I was just happy I could get there.
“Every game is different of course but inside every game, you need to be able to do your stuff and participate in the best way you can.
“You might not so some things that you do in other games, but you help the team by doing some other stuff. And in the end if it can help to achieve the main goal which is the win then I am just happy for that.”
Jota insists the title race is still not over despite Celtic now being twelve points clear with just seven games remaining, and it is clear that is the attitude delivered by his manager Postecoglou.
Responding to claims that the league is in the bag and the fact his boss would not allow such statements, he said: “No, no, no. And that’s a good thing. He pushed for us to be better version of ourselves as football players and in the distance have come throughout these few years is just unbelievable.
“If you start to evaluate us in the beginning of the process and evaluate us right now we are completely different football players, more complete and we can deliver game after game. That is what we aim for.
“We believe in the process. Enjoying our football, that is a big part as well. And I think everyone that watches us play can see that we actually have a lot of fun.
“I think the fans have a lot of fun as well watching us playing. So in the end it is just the believing part in Ange’s philosophy and then just going out there and being yourself.”
Celtic supporters were serenaded by a version of the Jota’s now recognised soundtrack during pre-match proceedings on Saturday as singer-songwriter Ellie Dixon performed on the Parkhead pitch prior to kick-off.
Jota, unfortunately, missed the performance as he and his teammates were in the dressing room receiving their final team talk from Postecoglou, but he was thrilled to hear that the song went down a hit with the fans.
On the tune and reaction of stadium, Jota added: “It’s just lovely! I’m happy Ellie (Dixon) could be there on Saturday and it was really nice to finally meet her.
“I was aware she was singing before the game but I wasn’t on the pitch at the time. I couldn’t hear it because I was in the dressing room and we have pretty thick concrete walls in there!
“I knew the live performance was happening and I will definitely make sure I get a chance to see the video.
“I’m so grateful for the moment. I could never imagine when I was young to have a moment like this.
“I was thrilled. I don’t sing the song myself – I leave that to the fans as I’m not such a good singer!”
