Brendan Rodgers has broken his silence on Jota's departure from Celtic.

The new Hoops manager didn't get the chance to work with the Portuguese talent upon his return to the Parkhead club.

Instead, the 24-year-old took up the chance of life-changing money in Saudi Araba with Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.

The winger joined last week in a £25million deal, with the player himself now earning just shy of £200K per week.

The sale of the club's prized asset of course significantly boosted Celtic's already healthy transfer budget. 

And Rodgers admits he and his recruitment department will look to strengthen in the wide areas of the team.

Holding no grudges over Jota's decision, Rodgers commented: "The modern game, for a lot of players, it’s also a business for them. Careers are short and (Jota’s) been given an opportunity to go and look after himself and his family, so we have to respect that.

"So he’s gone and of course we have so many talented players here, but we’d like to do some business in that area of the team as well.”

READ MORE: Alistair Johnston out for 'six to eight weeks' after ankle operation

Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston is set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks after undergoing an ankle operation.

The Celtic full-back went under the knife to correct a slight ankle knock and will now begin rehab ahead of the new season.

It means Johnston will miss the start of the league season next month and is an early doubt for the first derby against Rangers on September 3.

However, boss Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Johnston can return sooner having "progressed really well" in his early rehab work.

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