Jorge Cadete says he remains adored by Celtic fans nearly 30 years after his prolific but brief spell at Parkhead, and he believes current winger Jota can become the next Portugal star to be remembered in Glasgow's east end.
Jota made his return to competitive action for the first time in 18 months when he came off the bench in last week's 2-0 away win against Motherwell. The former Portugal youth international was serenaded by supporters after the full-time whistle.
The wide man will not be available for Martin O'Neill's side tonight when they face his former club Benfica in the second round of matches in the revamped Europa League group stage, having not been included in the squad for the competition.
Cadete's goal-laden Celtic career
Cadete was signed for £400,000 from Sporting Lisbon and scored 38 goals in 48 appearances for Celtic between 1996 and 1997, winning the Premiership golden boot in his only full season in Glasgow.
However, after a dispute over a new contract, he fell out with then Hoops owner Fergus McCann and was branded one of the 'Three Amigos' alongside Pierre van Hooijdonk and Paolo Di Canio.
The Euro 1996 participant initially cited mental health problems in Scotland and, after going AWOL from training, left to join Celta Vigo in Spain for £3.5million.
Why Jota will be remembered
The 58-year-old, who later played for Partick Thistle in 2004 after spells with Bradford City and Estrela da Amadora, insists Celtic supporters still adore him and hopes Jota will be remembered in a similar vein.
Speaking to Bola Branca ahead of the clash at the Estadio Da Luz, Cadete said: "It's always gratifying to know that Celtic fans haven't forgotten me. They contact me almost every other day. I was only there for 12 months, not seven or eight years, which surprises a lot of people."
"They are Scottish, but the British... their culture is to play to win. They don't play with strategy, they don't play to draw. They play to score and win. And that's what Celtic will do."
On Jota, he added: "He had already proven his quality before leaving for Saudi Arabia and he's going to really shake things up for the team. A player with more time at the club always has more opportunities to ensure the fans don't forget him."
Asked if Jota can go down as a real great at Celtic, Cadete replied: "Of course, without a doubt, he already is."
