Jota sends loaded message to Celtic exit cynics as emotional celebration seals Saudi redemption arc

Al-Ittihad winger Jota appears to have sent a message to his doubters as he finally kickstarted his career in the Saudi Pro League.

The Celtic Treble winner has endured a nightmare season in the Middle East following his £25m departure from the Scottish Premiership - with former boss Nuno Espirito Santo not registering the Portuguese star for the list of foreign players allowed in the league squad. That left the 24-year-old forgotten by the defending Saudi champions and limited to cameos in cup competitions and occasional Asian Champions League appearances all that the attacker was allowed. But he has since been drafted out of cold storage by current gaffer Marcelo Gallardo.

The attacker was handed his first appearance since December during a late cameo off the bench in the win over Al-Akhoud last week - and was given a rare start by Gallardo in the clash with Al-Fateh on Saturday. Jota netted only his second goal since leaving Celtic Park last summer - and enjoyed an emotional celebration.

After finding the bottom corner with his low drive to make it 2-1 just before half-time, he wheeled away wagging his finger before he was mobbed by his teammates. Jota would spend an extra moment lapping up the moment with the fans as they celebrated.

He then turned to the bench - with substitutes rallying behind the player as he looked to put the nightmare opening months of his Ittihad career behind him. In a pointed gesture, he then turned to the camera and pointed to a beaming smile across his face.

The move appeared to be a clear signal by Jota that he is happy with life in Jeddah - despite a disappointing start to his career in the Pro League. This is despite criticism from over his decision to leave Celtic and the prospect