Celtic star Jota admits he was very emotional when he heard the famous Champions League anthem for the first time.
Ange Postecoglou's men are competing at Europe's top table after winning back the Premiership crown from Rangers as part of a domestic double in the first campaign under the Aussie boss. Automatic group stage qualification paired the Hoops up with Spanish giants and current holders Real, Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig.
The Scottish champions opened up with a 3-0 defeat at Parkhead to Carlo Ancelotti's side - but had their chances at 0-0 as they impressed with their attacking style. It was then a share of the spoils away to Shakhtar in matchday two with first points on the board. Jota has dreamed of the Champions League since he was a child and says it was a proud moment for himself and his family as he walked out on his debut. It's an amazing experience that he hopes will arrive year after year as he opened up on playing at Europe's top level.
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Speaking to the Celtic View, he said: “First of all what I can say about the Champions League is that it’s very fast, teams play very fast football.
“It will be nice to be back in it and our idea of the game is already fast and intense so we will be fine on that aspect.
“Then it’s just all about the quality because the best teams and the best clubs will be there and there are not many mistakes.
“The best teams are the ones that can score the most with the smallest amount of opportunities, so we need to be clinical and we need to enjoy every game because playing Champions League is something that every kid dreams about.
'I dreamed about it when I was young and right now I will have it again and I’m so excited to play in front of these fans and for this shirt.'
“I would have to say I got quite emotional when I walked on to the pitch for the first time and listened to the Champions League anthem when I made my debut, that was a very emotional moment for me and my family.
“I’ve never missed a Champions League weekday since I was a kid, so it’s just tremendously proud for me and my family and I just want to keep on delivering and have these amazing experiences because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.”
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