Diogo Jota's sudden death has rocked the sports community with tributes pouring in for the former Liverpool star, and Carragher's Bar in New York City is set to honor him next season.
On Thursday, Jota and his brother Andre were tragically killed in a car accident in Spain. Jota, who was only 28, was in the prime of his career after winning the Premier League with Liverpool last season, and married Rute Cardoso just 10 days before his death.
Carragher's Bar, opened in downtown Manhattan by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher in 2015, is an international hub for fans to gather and connect over their love for the club. The impact of Jota's death was also felt in New York on Thursday morning, and Carragher's plans to celebrate his life next season.
Mike Romero, Managing Partner of Carragher's in New York, paid tribute to Jota in an emotional interview with Liverpool.com. "We at Carragher's, we are a very unique place in the world," Romero said.
"We are essentially in the capital of the world where we host Liverpool fans from every walk of life. Needless to say, Liverpool players are special.
"What we find is, any time a Liverpool player from a country joins the club or becomes an integral part of the team, we end up hosting a lot from that country. In this case, with Diogo, so many Portuguese fans have visited Carragher's, and I'm just trying to wrap my head around the tragedy.
Diogo Jota died Thursday in a car accident in Spain
Diogo Jota died Thursday in a car accident in Spain (Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
"The one thing that does stick out is the connection that Liverpool fans feel between each other despite their geographical differences. Places like Carragher's simplify that unity.
"Being in the capital of the world, if you will, when something like this happens, even though Diogo has never visited Carragher's, and I personally, never met him, we are truly connected through a certain red kinship.
"It just feels like losing a brother. It really, really does.
Liverpool fans have been paying tribute to Jota outside of Anfield
Liverpool fans have been paying tribute to Jota outside of Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
"Football brings us together in so many ways, and it's just terrible to see this tragedy. A couple of months ago, we were celebrating Premier League victory, and I was very privileged and fortunate to be at the parade myself and see Diogo celebrate on top of the bus.
"I'm just reflecting now, and as far as Carragher's is concerned, we pride ourselves on fundraising for many things throughout the year. We are celebrating 10 years this coming season, and I'm sure we will be doing a lot for any foundations relating to Diogo's family and foundation.
"We are very much looking forward to showing true solidarity through this tragedy. Obviously, we feel for the family and their children, so, so terrible. We are definitely going to pay tribute to him this season in many ways."
Carragher's shows every Liverpool game throughout the season, with fans packing out the New York bar for every fixture. Next season will feel slightly different, as fans share stories of Jota and reflect on his successful career.