Everton striker Beto expecting different Anfield welcome from his last visit
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The Lisbon-born 27-year-old was part of a Toffees delegation which paid their tributes following the shocking news of the death of the Liverpool forward in July.
It was particularly poignant for Beto as Jota was the first person to make contact with him when he secured his move to Everton in August 2023.
“We were not friends, but you know, when you play against Portuguese players and everything, we normally speak a little bit,” said the striker.
“You have Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, these guys, but when I signed for Everton, he (Jota) was the first guy who texted me.
“He just said: ‘I’m happy for you.
If you need anything on the city, everything, I can help you, just give me a shout’.
“After every game we played against Liverpool we’d talk a little bit so when Everton showed the interest for me to go to the stadium, I said: ‘I go, I go’ – not just because he was Portuguese and we understand each other but he was a really nice person, humble.
“I saw a togetherness between Everton and Liverpool.
Not between clubs, but more between fans, you know?
“A lot of Everton fans were sad because even if he’s a rival, life is more than football.”
Despite being criticised for some of his performances – scoring just 12 goals in 64 Premier League appearances – Beto insists he appreciates the welcome he has received on Merseyside.
Not that he expects that to be extended to him on Saturday.
“I love the Scousers because they are really nice people.
I feel I could have done more, even if I didn’t have the minutes,” he added.
“A striker needs to score goals.
It’s the life of a striker.
“It’s OK to get that pressure because it makes me work even harder.
I can always improve in terms of performances and goals because last season, from when I started to when I finished, I think I was a different player.
“I improved a lot in terms of goals and my all-around game, so I think I can improve more.