Diogo Jota's Portugal teammate shares emotional tribute after clinching title
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Diogo Costa has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota after Porto clinched the Liga Portugal title, dedicating the club's 31st league trophy to the former Liverpool forward and his brother AndreDiogo Jota died last year(Image: Getty Images)Diogo Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, has posted a touching tribute from FC Porto goalkeeper and captain Diogo Costa during the club's title-winning celebrations.The soccer community was left heartbroken in July last year when Jota and his brother Andre tragically died in a car accident in Spain. Jota had been traveling back to Liverpool for pre-season training following minor lung surgery in Porto.He had originally planned to fly back to the United Kingdom but, on the recommendation of medical professionals, decided to return by ferry from Santander instead.
The devastating loss occurred just days after the Portuguese forward had married his long-term partner, Rute, with whom he had three children.READ MORE: Who is Sam Beukema? Liverpool targets $33M center-back transfer this summerREAD MORE: Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah receives classy message from Michael CarrickOn Saturday, Porto met Alverca in Liga Portugal, knowing that a draw or victory would be sufficient to secure the club's 31st league title, following dropped points from both Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.Porto claimed a 1-0 win and, during the post-match celebrations, Costa was seen wearing a Porto shirt displaying Jota's name and the number 19.Speaking to a reporter afterward, the Portuguese goalkeeper said: "[This is for] our Portista [Porto fan] and dear Diogo Jota and his brother.Jota's widow shared Diogo Costa's powerful tribute(Image: Instagram/rutecfcardoso14)"For me, he was a national teammate, but he also played here."I knew he was a huge Portista and we want to dedicate this league trophy to him, his brother and their family."In a separate interview with Sport TV, Costa said: "There's so much to say, so much to remember."Our Jorge, our president, personally, Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva...
It's a mix of sadness and happiness at the same time."This morning, when I woke up, I felt, it was almost as if I knew something good was going to happen, because we deserve it and I think we did everything for it."The past year has proved an extraordinarily difficult period for Porto, both on and off the pitch, overshadowed by the tragic deaths of Jota, long-standing president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, who guided the club for 42 years, and one of its most revered captains and legendary figures, Jorge Costa.Jota's passing has represented an enormous loss for Liverpool.Following his passing, the Reds formally retired his No. 20 shirt as a lasting tribute in his honor.