Rafael Leao made emotional Diogo Jota promise as Liverpool linked with transfer for Portugal star

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Rafael Leao has been linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool, which could see the AC Milan star follow in the footsteps of his former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota

Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota were good friends after representing Portugal together(Image: Getty Images)

If recent rumors are to be believed, Rafael Leao could get the opportunity to follow in his former teammate Diogo Jota’s footsteps at Liverpool.

The pair were of course international teammates for Portugal, and went head-to-head for the Reds and AC Milan. Jota will be in the minds of Leao and his international teammates as they look to win the World Cup for the first time this summer.

Liverpool’s number 20 remains much missed by his club and country following his tragic death last summer alongside his brother Andre Silva, with Leao having paid a touching tribute earlier this year.

He said in an interview with CBS: “Everyone cared about him. Even if sometimes he was in his corner talking with his wife or kids.

“But he was a good team-mate and always wanted to help everyone, even me sometimes. Sometimes I used to ask him for a few things and he would also ask me for tickets for his family. To come to AC Milan to watch some games.”

Leao will be hoping he and Portugal can pay the perfect tribute to Jota this summer, with their fallen teammate serving as inspiration as they prepare for the World Cup in North America.

Rafael Leao paid tribute to Diogo Jota during pre-season(Image: Getty Images)

Asked whether Jota’s passing would inspire his country at the tournament, Leao said: “Every game we think about him. Always after a game he was there celebrating and if he could score a goal. And every game we think about him.”

Not only will Leao be aiming to honor Jota’s memory at the World Cup, but he could also end up making the same journey to Anfield as his former teammate.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all watching Leao ahead of a potential move this summer. Real Madrid is also said to be interested, while Paris Saint-Germain was linked with him last summer as well.

It’s claimed that Milan may need to raise funds in order to revamp its squad this summer, and Leao could be a prime candidate for a sale.

A fee of around $81 million (£60M) has been touted, with the Italian giant apparently willing to cash in on the 26-year-old.

Leao has scored 10 goals and added three assists in 27 appearances this season, with his campaign having been disrupted by injuries at points.

With Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike set to miss the start of next season through injury, the Reds will likely need to find a new forward to step into the fold, and the chance for Leao to follow in Jota’s footsteps might be an option for the club to consider.