The death of Diogo Jota caused worldwide consternation in the summer. Life goes on, as we know, but the Portuguese player remains in our memories, especially ahead of the first meeting between his two former English clubs on Saturday.
“The feeling of loss will of course be particularly strong on Saturday, as it is the first time Diogo’s English teams have met since his tragic death,” Arne Slot wrote in a club message from Liverpool FC. He emphasized that his thoughts remain with the family of the former Portuguese international (49 caps, 14 goals).
His family had to experience their “first Christmas without” Diogo Jota, said Slot, emphasizing that it was not his place “to tell them where to find comfort—if that is even possible—but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo continues to inspire will at least give them some solace.”
Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Spain in July at the age of 28, along with his brother Andre Silva (25). He left behind his wife Rute Cardoso, whom he had married ten days before his death, and their three children. In England, the striker played for Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2017 to 2020 (81 games, 25 goals) and then moved to Liverpool FC (158 games, 55 goals).
On Saturday (4 p.m.), his two English clubs will meet for the first time since his death – and Slot is not the only one who knows that this could be an emotional encounter, especially as the Dutchman also noted that the “Wolves have also been deeply affected by the loss of such a special player and person.” Wolverhampton coach Rob Edwards, who was coaching the U23s when Diogo Jota was with the Wolves and therefore knew the deceased personally (“He was just a wonderful person”), also knows that “it will be an emotional day for our fans.”
Sporting crises take a back seat
The Wolves are traveling in the midst of an unprecedented sporting crisis: only two points from 17 games, only nine goals scored and 37 conceded – such a poor record is unheard of in the history of the Premier League. Liverpool’s mixed season – the Reds are lagging behind their own expectations in fifth place in the table – almost seems like a luxury problem in comparison.
On Saturday, however, the sporting aspect will take a back seat. Spectators are in for a particularly emotional moment if a report in The Times is correct, according to which Diogo Jota’s young sons Dinis and Duarte will accompany the kick-off on the pitch. It is clear that a memorial service will be held to commemorate the former footballer, who was only 28 years old.
