Jurgen Klopp pays tribute to Diogo Jota
Jurgen Klopp has shared a deeply moving tribute to Diogo Jota, published in The Observer ahead of Liverpool’s emotional clash with Wolves on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
The former Reds boss managed Jota for four years after the Portuguese forward made the move from Molineux to Anfield in 2020. It’s been five months since the football world lost the beloved striker in a devastating car accident in northern Spain. Saturday’s fixture carried extra weight, with Liverpool facing the other English club Jota called home during his career.
The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Liverpool, but the result felt secondary to the occasion. Klopp’s words painted a picture of a man who touched everyone around him. “Diogo Jota. I still smile every time I say or hear the name. Honestly, it brings this big, beaming grin to my face. Affection. Appreciation. Love,” he wrote.
The German described his former player as humble, authentic, and genuine – someone who never pretended to be anything other than himself. “In life, he brought out the best in people and even in death this stayed the same,” Klopp explained, adding that people loved Jota because they saw the very best of themselves reflected in him.
Before kick-off, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Jota’s two young sons walked out onto the Anfield turf as mascots, leading the teams onto the pitch, creating an incredibly poignant moment for everyone inside the stadium. Liverpool supporters have honoured their forever number 20 at every home game since his passing, with his chant ringing around Anfield.
This particular fixture felt different, with both sets of fans sharing a deep connection to the late forward. Klopp also shared a compelling story that perfectly captured Jota’s character. During a Carabao Cup match against Leicester City in 2021, Jota slotted home the winning penalty and immediately turned to scream at the away supporters. The German admitted he was puzzled by the reaction at first, later learning it was due to chants from some of Leicester’s supporters that night about poverty in Liverpool. “So Diogo,” Klopp remarked.
It was classic Jota – standing up for his adopted city and its people without hesitation. On a day heavy with memory, the spirit of the game prevailed, reminding all present of the bonds that exist beyond the pitch, the ties that link not just clubs but communities and families alike.
