FC Porto president André Villas-Boas has heartbreakingly disclosed that Diogo Jota was set to be approached regarding a potential return to the Portuguese club before his passing. The 28-year-old Liverpool striker tragically lost his life along with his brother, André Silva, in a car accident last Thursday.
The football community came together in grief over the weekend as both Jota and his 26-year-old sibling were laid to rest in their home town of Gondomar, close to Porto.
Numerous former teammates and colleagues of Jota were in attendance at the service. Villas-Boas, who leads the club where Jota featured during the 2016/17 campaign and his brother played at youth level, was also there to honour their memory.
During the funeral proceedings, Villas-Boas poignantly disclosed that arrangements were underway to bring Jota back to his native region, with internal talks having taken place about pursuing the star in 2026, twelve months prior to his Liverpool deal running out.
"Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible," Villas-Boas revealed.
"It would be from 2026/27, and we had discussed the possibility. I made a point of conveying that message to Diogo, through Jorge Mendes, at his wedding, and it was a dream for all the Porto fans that it had happened."
Villas-Boas also delivered a moving tribute to Jota and his brother, André, acknowledging that both will be sorely missed and proudly represented Porto. "Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and André has many years from the children's ranks to the under-19s.
"They were much loved. We've come to pay our respects to the family," Villas-Boas expressed.
Porto president Andre Villas Boas pays tribute and speaks to the crowd
Porto president Andre Villas Boas pays tribute and speaks to the crowd (Image: Phil Harris)
"Diogo, especially as the greatest public figure, was a silent hero. We all appreciated him for everything he stood for, not only on the pitch but also off it.
"He was a partner of FC Porto with its Esports team. Someone who will be remembered fondly, just like his brother," he continued, before disclosing that both would become members of Porto, and cards would be left at their memorial.
"Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today," Villas-Boas added. "I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.
"In André Silva's case, we symbolically recovered his membership fees and gave them to his family. We intended to leave the two membership cards here. I did it as chairman of the board.
"Condolences to everyone, to the team-mates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Gondomar and P. Ferrreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."