Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Elliot Francis, 19, told the ECHO he would regularly speak to Jota at Anfield

A fan who claims to have spoken to Diogo Jota regularly paid tribute to the Portuguese forward at Anfield today following the news of his death.

Jota signed for the Reds in 2020 from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He soon became adored by fans in Anfield as his own chant became an iconic song that rang around the stadium.

One of the fans present this morning was Elliot Francis.

The 19-year-old is a season ticket holder at Anfield and a self-proclaimed "massive fan" of Liverpool.

He said he spoke to Jota every week after the match, adding that the Portuguese player used to come and stop to talk to him in the ground, as he was making his way off the pitch.

Article continues belowElliot paid his respects at Anfield on Thursday

Elliot, from Dingle, arrived at Anfield wearing a match-worn shirt signed by Jota.

He brought flowers to lay on the grass on 97 Avenue where fellow fans had made a makeshift shrine to the Portuguese international, with fans placing football shirts, scarves, flowers and balloons with Jota’s number on, saying that it was the least he could do.

He told the ECHO: "Jota was brilliant.

There’s not much we can do as a person, but we can come and show our respect."

Alongside Claire was her 16-year-old son Nathan, who said: "My heart goes out to everyone, all the players, his family, his parents…as a player he was unbelievable."

Callum Gunner, 18, was also among fans leaving tributes to Diogo Jota today.

Diogo Jota R.I.P."

Article continues below

Callum said he wanted to show up because "he played his part for us, so now we’re playing our part for him".