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Diogo Dalot has paid tribute to Diogo Jota following the Liverpool forward’s tragic passing last month.
The 28-year-old was involved in a fatal car crash in northern Spain on July 3, which also claimed the life of Jota’s brother, Andre Silva. The world of soccer remains in mourning following the devastating news, with Liverpool honouring the siblings’ passing during the pre-season tour of Asia.
Further tributes are planned ahead of the upcoming games against Athletic Bilbao and Bournemouth. Players across the sport have also commemorated Jota this summer, with Dalot, along with fellow Portuguese natives Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim, leaving a tribute from Manchester United outside Anfield in the days after Jota’s death.
For Dalot, the pain is particularly raw given that he knew Jota from his time at Porto and the international scene.
“When you are talking about the personal side, I don't look at the shirt he represents,” the defender told BBC Sport.
“I played a lot of years with him in the national team and spent time with him, so you create a connection and memories. That's what I want to keep, the good memories.
“I don't think there are any words to describe it when such a tragedy happens like that. It hits you. I felt the whole world felt it, even if they didn't know him personally.”
Dalot was speaking after United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago, when the full-back revealed he noticed a Jota shirt in the crowd.
“He was someone who was a role model for me. I always like to see a player's behaviour when they play and when they don't play," said the 26-year-old. “He was always putting the team first.”
Liverpool has confirmed plans to unveil a permanent commemoration to Jota outside Anfield, while the no.20 jersey has been permanently retired in honor of the player.
The club will also honor Jota on its kit this season, and he is listed in the “forever” section of the squad on Liverpool’s website.
Luis Diaz also paid tribute to Jota via social media as he departed Liverpool earlier this week.
After reflecting on the Reds’ title triumph, Diaz signed off his Instagram post saying: “It would have been the perfect goodbye if we hadn’t lost one of ours in such a tragic way.
“As I said, and I repeat, I carry everyone with me in my heart, but one of them in particular: Diogo. I will never forget him. We will never forget him. Thank you for everything. YNWA.”
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