He had a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season after sustaining a rib injury against Chelsea early, but when he returned demonstrated his sure touch in front of goal and the priceless knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Salah understandably claimed more headlines, but Jota's goals were often key and he was a striker always feared by defences because of his finishing prowess.

He began his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira before joining Atletico Madrid in 2016.



He spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Porto, where his brother Andre Silva, who also died in the crash, was a youth player.

'A natural finisher who was always feared by defences'	Diogo Jota refused to cry over health problem parents feared would end his career

Jota then came to prominence in England when he joined Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico in July 2017.

The move was made permanent as he showed his class, scoring 44 goals in 131 games at Molineux before the switch to Liverpool.

The forward became a hero at Wolves, scoring 18 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions in 2017-18 as they returned to the top flight as Championship title winners.

He enjoyed his best goalscoring return at Liverpool with 21 goals in 55 games in 2021-22, part of an impressive overall haul of 65 in 182 appearances.

Hugely popular with his team-mates and Liverpool supporters, Jota fitted comfortably into Klopp's all-action and potent attack and was frequently selected by Slot as his central striker in preference to high-priced number nine Darwin Nunez as the title came to Anfield for the 20th time last season.

Jota was also a force at international level with Portugal, playing his part in their Nations League final against Spain - the second time he claimed the trophy.

He came on as an extra-time substitute before they won on penalties and that game now carries added poignancy as the final act of a stellar career cut short in its prime.


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