Jota on pre Celtic transfer world tour as he admits 'fans everywhere' have stories to tell about meeting winger

Jota was recognised almost everywhere he went throughout his summer break, no matter the global location, there was generally a Celtic fan in the vicinity urging him to sign for their club. Except one day in New York when the Portuguese superstar went initially unnoticed from Champions League to Sunday League.

Jota was minding his own business kicking a ball around a park in the Big Apple with his mate when he was suddenly approached by some Irish lads. Short of players, an enquiry was made to the two pals if they wanted to join in.

Despite wearing a strip with his name on it, no-one twigged it was actually Jota. Well, not until he started running riot and leading his team to a 6-5 win. Jota lifted the lid on the amusing tale as he said: “I had a kickabout with some fans in New York. I actually played a Sunday League match with a group of Irish fans.

“Me and my friend were kicking a ball around when someone approached us and asked if we wanted a game. They asked if we wanted to join them because they were a couple of players short. They needed two guys to make up the numbers, so we said, ‘why not?’.

“Then, when I started to play, one of the guys from our team came up and asked if I was Jota. I had a Celtic strip on with my name on the back but they still didn’t believe me at first and thought it was a joke. They said, ‘come on man, Jota is not in New York playing in the Sunday League!’.”

The star’s New York trip was part of a well-earned break after a gruelling and successful first term at Celtic. Jota always felt he’d want to get on board with Celtic for the long haul. But having worked so hard, it was time to rest the mind and body.

Having been on loan from Benfica, his stunning impact had the fans yearning for news