John Terry has heartfelt reason for wanting Liverpool to win Premier League title

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has admitted he wants Liverpool to win this season’s Premier League in honor of Diogo Jota.

Jota tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident during the summer, with the pair having been traveling back to the UK in order for the former to meet back up with his Liverpool teammates for pre-season.

Since then, numerous tributes have been paid to the late forward, and fans continue to honor his memory during games, with the Reds having retired the number 20 jersey in his honor - the first time the club has ever retired a number.

Liverpool’s players will be aiming to defend their league crown as a tribute to their former teammate this season, and have already made the perfect start, having won their three opening games, including a 1-0 victory over last season’s runner-up Arsenal before the international break.

The Reds have been tipped as favorites to make it back-to-back titles after a busy summer window, which saw the Premier League transfer record broken twice for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, among other big-name additions.

Terry’s former side Chelsea will be among the sides expected to push Liverpool this season, although the ex-England defender wants to see Arne Slot’s side defend their titlev in memory of Jota.

“It's theirs to lose, to be honest,” Terry told talkSPORT. “They have a big motivation with the very sad loss of Diogo Jota in their back of their minds as well. I really hope Liverpool do it for that reason alone, to be honest.

“I think they are the strongest side. Man City have shown vulnerability again this season. I'm not sure Chelsea have enough experience to push them and I don't want to put pressure on the Chelsea squad as well. I think it's Liverpool's to lose and I wish them well for it.”

Terry added: “I don't want to put too much pressure on the [Chelsea] boys. This year, maybe pushing the other teams close, we have a chance to be up there and should be because we are Chelsea, and any top side or young or experienced players going into the season saying we can't win it shouldn't be playing at the top level.

“Every Chelsea player should believe we can and win it. Do I think we will? No I don't but I think we will be right up there amongst it."

Liverpool returns to league action against Burnley on Sunday, when the Reds will be aiming to make it four wins out of four ahead of their opening Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

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