Jurgen Klopp reveals how tragic Diogo Jota death tested fundamental life belief

The former Liverpool head coach has penned an emotional tribute to Jota ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter between the Reds and Wolverhampton Wanderers

Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Jurgen Klopp has written a glowing tribute to Diogo Jota and revealed how his tragic death made him question if there is truly a “higher meaning” in life.

The ex-Liverpool manager penned an emotional first-person piece in the Observer on Boxing Day, ahead of the first meeting between the Reds and Wolverhampton Wanderers - Jota’s former clubs - since his death.

Jota and his brother, Andre, tragically passed away in a car accident in July, a event the soccer world still coming to terms with. That is emphasized by the build-up to Saturday's game, which comes nearly six months on from the siblings' death. Jota’s children are set to be mascots at Anfield, Wolves’ players paid tribute to the former player on Friday at the memorial outside the stadium, while Virgil van Dijk has also written about his long-time teammate in the Times.

Klopp, the man who brought Jota from Wolves to Liverpool, explained that the mention of Jota's name still brings a smile to the German’s face.

“It is a strange contradiction, I know, that thinking about Diogo makes me happy because losing him, and losing him in the way we did, is impossible to understand,” Klopp wrote.

“It just felt – and still feels – so cruel. One of those moments where even people who believe in a bigger purpose, in a higher meaning – like I do, like Diogo did – find themselves asking questions. Why Diogo? Why now? Why like this?

Klopp and Jota enjoyed a close relationship during their time at Liverpool

“I still believe, but a moment like this tests that belief. The only way I can make sense of it, even a little, is by holding onto the truth that great grief is the price we pay for great love.

“And you could see, from the people closest to Diogo to his supporters around the world, just how big that love was for him and his brother, André Silva. The scale of the heartbreak tells you everything.

“In life he brought out the best in people and even in death this stayed the same. Arne Slot, the staff and players at Liverpool. Roberto Martínez, the staff and players of Portugal.

“Supporters, rivals, opponents, teammates, politicians, community leaders, children – they all showed their very best side as a reflection of Diogo and everything he stood for. Could there be a more fitting tribute?

Jota also played 131 times for Wolves during his storied career(Image: Getty Images)

“Why was he so loved? For me, it’s simple. Because in Diogo, people saw the very best of themselves. Or maybe the best of what we wanted to be.

“He was humble and authentic. He didn’t pretend to be anything other than who he was. And in the tributes that came in, in those terrible hours and days after the accident, the words were always the same: he was fun, he was normal, he was genuine.

“Diogo was simply Diogo. Unashamedly. Although I remember the footballer with huge pride, it is the person I remember most. But the beautiful thing is: both versions of him shared the same qualities.”