Jose Mourinho delivered a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota following the tragic news of the Liverpool forward’s death. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager spoke with deep emotion as he reflected on Jota’s life and the immense loss felt across the football world.
“When people leave this world, normally we all say such a nice guy. Diogo was really a nice guy,” Mourinho said.
He continued, “He had my agent, so of course I knew a lot about him. And people in Liverpool know what I’m saying is true. He is a kid who nothing was easy for him, he had to fight to arrive where he arrived.”
Mourinho shared his grief for the family left behind. “Three kids without a dad, a young woman without her husband, the parents lose both sons… it’s crazy. It’s difficult to understand. Maybe one day we will understand but not now.”
The veteran coach also recalled a personal memory from his time at Porto. “It happened with me many many years ago when I was working at Porto with Mr Robson. One of our boys, a loved boy, died in a car crash. Instead of the boys suffering alone it was like the group suffered together and trying to fight for his memory. It was a boy Rui Filipe and we were champions I think for him.”
He expressed his belief in the strength of the Liverpool community. “So in Liverpool they’re going to suffer together. The club is a fantastic club. I think they are already deciding to take away the shirt number 20. At Anfield he will always be part of the family and maybe they lose a player but maybe they win even more soul than what they have.”
Repeating the depth of the tragedy, Mourinho added, “Three kids without a dad, a young woman without her husband, the parents lose both sons. It’s crazy. It’s difficult to understand. Maybe one day we will understand but not now.”