Diogo Jota's first words as a Liverpool player perfectly summed him up - he'll be forever missed
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesDiogo JotaToday (Friday) marks the first anniversary of Diogo Jota's death, and the forward will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans - and not just for what he did on the pitchDiogo Jota will be forever remembered at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)One year on, it still doesn’t feel real.Diogo Jota’s death shook not just Liverpool to its core, but the entire soccer world. A remarkable player taken in his prime, along with his brother - but not just that, a father who was just embarking on the next chapter of his life, having married the love of his life.Life can be so, so cruel at times, but the outpouring of emotion over the past 12 months has shown that his memory lives on.
His first message to the fans upon his signing from Wolves in 2020 was perfect, and summed him up so well."They can count on me because now I'm one of them," he said.Over the next few years, he certainly lived up to his promise. You could pick out any number of moments from his time at Anfield, and they would instantly bring a smile to your face as a Liverpool fan.Diogo Jota's ingrained himself in Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)From his first goal to his final strike against Everton - a goal that felt like it marked the moment when Liverpool became Premier League champions, even if it wasn’t official - Jota built an everlasting connection with supporters, and that was only enhanced by his effervescent personality off it.He had a sense of humor that chimed in perfectly with the people of Liverpool.
He never lost the feeling of someone who was living out their dream - both on and off the pitch.Diogo Jota perfectly encapsulated what it means to be a Liverpool player(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)The effect his loss had on those closest to him is immeasurable, and it is something that, even now, should never be forgotten when it comes to his former teammates, and most importantly, his family.It feels rather fitting that, on this the first anniversary of his passing, his country was in action at the World Cup. Forever Liverpool’s number 20.James Findlater James Findlater is a Content Editor for Liverpool.com, bringing nearly a decade of experience to his coverage of Liverpool FC and the wider football landscape.