It was Klopp who sanctioned Jota's move to Liverpool FC in 2020
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool congratulates Diogo Jota following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on September 28, 2020
Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool. congratulates Diogo Jota following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on September 28, 2020
(Image: Photo by Jason Cairnduff - Pool/Getty Images)
Tributes continue to paid across Liverpool and around the globe for footballer Diogo Jota who has died in a car accident age 28. The Liverpool forward was said to be travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, in the Zamora region of Sanabria when the incident occurred.
Jota signed for Liverpool FC from Wolves back in September 2020 and his brother, who is two years younger, was a professional for Portuguese second-tier team Penafiel.
It was Jurgen Klopp who sanctioned the move for the then 23-year-old Jota in 2020 after it emerged Wolves were willing to sell the Portugal international. The following year, the former Liverpool FC manager shared how he knew from the start that Jota was an incredible talent.
Speaking on Jota in December 2021, Klopp said: "I remember the first time I saw him I thought he could be a player for me because of how intense he was in all situations. Technically he was on a really high level but the intensity he puts in makes all the difference as at our level all players have technical quality.
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool talking with Diogo Jota of Liverpool during an open training session at Rajamangala National Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand
Jurgen Kloppl talking with Diogo Jota during an open training session at Rajamangala National Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand
"You make a difference with your attitude and that was what I was most excited about adding Diogo to the mix. People said he didn't score an awful lot of goals but the problem is Wolves had the most intense style of play for offensive wingers.
"[Raul] Jimenez was allowed to stay up but the rest had to cover the whole pitch and it costs you energy. And he was very young then. All that made it very interesting for us [and] it was clear he would make the next steps with us.
"What I didn't know when I saw him first is Diogo is an incredible package. From a personality point of view he is an incredible boy, really smart, structured in a nice way." Jota signed in a £45m deal in September 2020, becoming the fourth most expensive player in Reds history.
Speaking of his arrival at the time, Jota said: "They are the best team in the world at the moment. It was impossible to say no. I've played two years in the Premier League now with Wolves and it's the right time for me to play in the Champions League again.
"Liverpool are a special team; the way they press, the intensity that they put into the game is just another level and that’s what I want to be part of – that anger to play the game and to score goals. I think that’s a great way to play the game and that’s the way I want to play as well."
Jota played 182 times for the Reds, scoring 65 times. He won the Premier League last season, as well as winning the FA Cup and League Cup while at Anfield. Jota was capped 49 times by his country, scoring 14 goals.
Klopp took to Instagram earlier today to pay tribute. He said: "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.
"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!
"All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - LoveJ."
BBC News spoke to the Guardia Civil this morning, and the Spanish police confirmed the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The comments from the police, reported by the BBC, said: "The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
"It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed."
The striker had played an important role in the Reds' Premier League title-winning campaign last season, making 26 appearances and scoring six goals. The Portugal international married long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 and together they have three children.
Today, flowers and messages of tribute to Diogo Jota have been laid at Anfield. The flags at Anfield and at Liverpool Town Hall have also been lowered to half mast following the tragic death of Liverpool forward and his brother.