Roberto Martinez pays emotional Diogo Jota tribute after naming Portugal squad for World Cup
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Diogo Jota did not get to fulfill his dream of representing Portugal at a World Cup, and Roberto Martinez said that the squad will carry his spirit and strength into this summer's tournamentRoberto Martinez paid tribute to Diogo Jota as he announced Portugal's World Cup squad(Image: 2026 Horacio Villalobos)Roberto Martinez issued a touching tribute to Diogo Jota as he named his Portugal squad for the World Cup.Jota was a regular fixture for the Portugal team and dreamed of appearing at the 2026 World Cup, after injury denied him the chance to go to the 2022 tournament in Qatar.The late Liverpool forward was on course to be included in Martinez's squad for this summer's tournament, and Martinez said that the squad will carry Jota's spirit with it as Portugal bids to become the world champion for the first time. "He is our strength and our joy," Martinez said.
"I said that we all go through difficult moments in life.READ MORE: Paul Scholes reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson would have reacted to Mohamed Salah outburstREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher reminded of Mohamed Salah 'apology' truth after latest Liverpool rant"Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and incredibly painful moment, but the following day was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo's dream."And to always follow his example in our national team. Diogo Jota's spirit, his strength, and his example are the driving force, and they always will be."Last week, Liverpool revealed images of the new, permanent sculpture that will be located outside Anfield in memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died alongside each other in a car crash in Spain last year.A Diogo Jota and Andre Silva memorial will be permanently installed at AnfieldA Liverpool statement said: "Titled 'Forever 20,' it celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates and supporters across the world."At its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, in acknowledgement of Diogo's iconic goal celebration, while viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the back of the brothers' playing shirts."The memorial also features a PlayStation controller in a nod to Jota's love of gaming.The Liverpool statement continued: "It will also feature the lyrics to Jota’s famous song so beloved by Liverpool fans, and one they still sing at every game on the 20th minute."The club will provide further updates on when the sculpture will be officially unveiled but can confirm it will be positioned on 97 Avenue, where thousands of physical tributes – including flowers, scarves, works of art, cards, banners and opposition jerseys – were placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of their loss."It will stand on a Granby Rock-faced stone plinth, laser-engraved with a dedication to both brothers, and incorporated into the plinth itself are many of the physical tributes that were left at Anfield."This unique recycling process ensures the voices and emotions shared by fans at the time become a permanent and enduring part of this memorial."It will also include personal references that reflect Diogo’s life beyond football, including a games controller detail resting on the plinth, and will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects."