John Hartson in Saudi confession as Celtic hero launches Jota defence admitting mega-money would've made him QUIT Hoops

John Hartson knows why players come to Celtic and end up smooching the badge.

The big Welshman fell head over heels for the Hoops during his time in Glasgow and he’s convinced departed star Jota felt exactly the same way. Hartson’s heart was well in Glasgow but he holds his hands up and admits if the kind of offer came in like the one the Portuguese winger has just signed in Saudi Arabia, he’d also be kissing the place goodbye.

Jota has taken stick from some quarters for joining Al-Ittihad on a £25million deal worth up to £200,000 per week. But Hartson has refused to join the queue of critics labelling the wide man a mercenary. There are some deals that are just too good to turn down – even if leaving does tug at the heart strings. Hartson told MailSport: “I know Celtic has so much sentimental value. It’s a great club and you’re idolised.

“You get recognition literally everywhere you go. Jota will have felt that. That’s the pull of Glasgow. Players who come here can end up staying. They bring their family here because of the adulation you get and what this city does to you. You can fall in love with the club. I fell in love with Celtic.

“But there is no doubt that if I’m on £30k a week and I’m offered £200k a week somewhere else, it’s a no-brainer. I would kiss every Celtic fan goodbye and shake their hands. I’d thank them for everything. But I’m sorry, I’d have to say, this is an opportunity that’s going to change my life and change my world for the rest of my days. I don’t know too many footballers or managers who get offered astronomical money and don’t make the change.

“Even for supporters, if they were working in an office for a certain company and they get invited by another company to come for five or six times