Porto president Andre Villas-Boas has heartbreakingly disclosed that plans were underway to bring Diogo Jota back to the Portuguese side before his tragic death. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash last Thursday.
The footballing community came together in grief over the weekend as both Jota and his 26-year-old brother were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto. Numerous of Jota's former colleagues and contemporaries attended the service. Villas-Boas, president of the club Jota played for during the 2016/17 season and where his brother played at youth level, was also there to pay his respects. During the funeral, Villas-Boas sorrowfully revealed that plans were being made to bring Jota back to the area he considered home, and internal discussions had taken place about trying to sign the late star in 2026, a year before his contract with Liverpool would have ended.
"Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible," Villas-Boas disclosed.
"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 paid a moving tribute to Jota and his brother, Andre, admitting that both will be missed and admirably represented Porto, adding: "Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and Andre 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.
"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," Villas-Boas continued, before discussing how they would be honoured by the club.
"Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today," he stated. "I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.
"In Andre 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. Ferreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."