Portugal are soon to kick off their World Cup campaign, with a meeting with DR Congo on Wednesday evening. One man who would likely have been included in their squad for the tournament was Liverpool star forward Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese national team are just outside the favourites for the competition, with big-profile names. With veteran Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, to Paris Saint-Germain pair, Joao Neves and Vitinha, holding the midfield.
As part of their preparation for the World Cup, Vitinha confirmed they would each be wearing a bracelet. They received the bracelet from the Portuguese Prime Minister, as a way to honour Jota, who tragically passed away last July.
He was a key piece of the national team set up, as he appeared 49 times for his country, and he scored 14 times. Ahead of their meeting with the African side, Vitinha spoke to the Independent. He showed his gratitude towards the bracelet which pays respect to one of his friends.
He said, “We have received this with a lot of love.” Portugal and Liverpool have carried out tributes over the last year to showcase how special the Portuguese star was to them. Not just as a player, but a human being.
Ahead of the summer’s competition, he was included in Portugal’s squad, which Roberto Martinez revealed. Martinez spoke with The Athletic, where they have a responsibility for Jota.
He said, “Diogo is our light.
“He wanted to win the World Cup, so it became a bit of a responsibility, an example, because Diogo was the pure example of believing in whatever could be possible, always with that tenacity, always finding the answer in the right moment in the difficult moment in the game.”
Liverpool tributes for Diogo Jota
The Reds have worked closely with his family to tell his story in the best possible way, following the tragedy. Kopites laid flowers outside the Main Stand last July to pay their respects to their hero. Supporters also travelled to Anfield to sign a book, as they wrote wishes to his family.
In their opening preseason meeting with Preston North End, the travelling Kop brought scarves, flags and banners. As You’ll Never Walk Alone was played, Liverpool and Preson supporters sung it loud for Jota. Throughout the game, his song was sung in the terraces, one that has become so loved by Kopites.
The song was constantly featured at Anfield throughout the season, as they wanted to show love to Jota. On the 20th minute, Anfield would stand and belt out the song as they applauded a player who gave his all for the club.
Outside the ground, mosaics can be spotted which pay tribute to the Portuguese forward. One of them in particular shows the bonds he was able to establish in the squad. An image of him and Andy Robertson is there to see, as the pair quickly became friends, as they pushed on for football glory.
On the final day of the season against Brentford, his song was sung during the final moments. It’s been a tough season for Liverpool, Portugal and Wolverhampton Wanderers to navigate, losing a man who loved them so much. It’s nearly been a year since he passed away, though the tributes will continue long into the future, as they show love to a fantastic player and person. Diogo Jota.
