Jota Recounts 18 Months of Injury Hell, Calls Setbacks a 'Rollercoaster'

Celtic winger Jota has opened up about the intense mental and physical challenges he faced during an 18-month layoff due to injury, describing the period as a "rollercoaster of emotions" and a time when he "met some demons."

The Portuguese player's career was significantly disrupted when he sustained a knee injury during Celtic's 5-0 league title-clinching victory over Dundee United in April 2025. Initially, he did not grasp the full severity of the injury, which ultimately sidelined him for a prolonged period.

"I knew something happened, but to start to think the worst-case scenario, it doesn’t help you," Jota reflected. "I was just expecting to see how the examinations were going to be. I didn’t want to make the worst from it. But obviously it ended up being a long time."

During his absence, Jota became a peripheral figure, with intermittent reports of comebacks followed by further setbacks fueling speculation about his return. He admitted that the situation was exacerbated by the team's struggles throughout the campaign, particularly following manager Brendan Rodgers' departure and the subsequent turbulent period.

He found solace in the support of his family and teammates, which helped him navigate the difficult times. The light at the end of the tunnel appeared just over a month ago when he was cleared to participate in full training. His return to action came as a substitute in the win against Motherwell, followed by an appearance at halftime in the recent 7-1 victory over Hearts.

Clips of Jota showcasing his signature skills during the Hearts match quickly circulated on social media, demonstrating flashes of the talent that has led some to consider him arguably the finest natural player in Scottish football.

"It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions. We could stay here for two weeks for me to speak about everything that was going on in my head," Jota said. "I mean, in the end, it’s part of everyone’s life, you know? Everyone struggles. The thing is that in our job, I just cannot be out there to play football, which is the one thing I love most."

He described feeling "empty" during this time, with a part of his identity seemingly gone, and an uncertainty about when it would return. However, he maintained perspective, acknowledging that others face worse problems and expressed gratitude for his opportunities in sport.

"Being able to play against Hearts and be back at Celtic Park once again, it shows that it matters, like all of the struggle. It matters because these moments are unique," he stated. "There’s moments where you feel like you’re down and you cannot see any light, but that doesn’t mean that you stop believing."

Jota found a way to cope with the frustration of being unable to help his team. "I think I’ve met some demons and I’ve had some good talks with them. I think we developed a good relationship and we are all on the same page now and we can laugh about everything that happened," he explained. "I think if you don’t grow from a situation like this, it’s because you didn’t learn anything. Now I can see things clearer."

He also described the recovery process as non-linear, with periods of improvement followed by setbacks. "It’s just like a mountain where you keep on building and then eventually you reach the peak," he said.

Jota's immediate aim is to regain full fitness, emphasizing that he has a long career ahead and no need to rush the process. He will not be registered for the Europa League match against Celta Vigo but could feature against Hibs. He expressed his appreciation for manager Martin O'Neill's patience and support during his extended absence, valuing the club's commitment to his healthy return.

"I feel ready to go again, but obviously there are metrics and stuff we need to be careful with (in terms of starting games too soon)," Jota noted. "I didn’t play in a long time. Now I just want to enjoy every single second on the pitch. You learn to really value it, maybe more than before. It teaches you never to take anything for granted. That’s a big thing you learn when you go through something like this."