Arne Slot Pays Touching Tribute to Diogo Jota: 'He Was Loved by Everyone'
Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot describes Diogo Jota as "someone cherished by everyone here" after the striker's devastating passing.
The shocking news of Jota and his sibling André's sudden deaths has deeply affected and brought together the football community worldwide, with supporters from every corner showing solidarity with his loved ones, companions, and everyone who backed Jota during his playing days.
Previous manager Jürgen Klopp was amongst those who responded to the devastating announcement, and now Slot has expressed his personal touching recollections of Jota.
Although the duo collaborated for just one Premier League championship season, Slot developed a strong bond with Jota after his arrival at Liverpool and displayed pure heartfelt emotion following his departure.
"How do you find words?" Slot started. "What words exist during moments like these when the devastation and anguish feel so overwhelmingly fresh? I wish I possessed the right expressions, but I realize I don't. All I carry are emotions that I understand countless others will recognize regarding someone we treasured deeply as both a person and athlete, and a family we hold so dear.
"My initial reflections aren't those of a football coach. They belong to a parent, a child, a sibling, and a relative, and they're directed toward the family of Diogo and André Silva who have endured such an incomprehensible tragedy.
"My words to them are absolutely certain—you will never stand alone. The squad, the coaching staff, the followers of Liverpool Football Club stand beside you, and from what I've witnessed today, the same applies to the broader football family.
"This isn't merely a response to catastrophe. It's also recognition of the character of those involved and the admiration that so many held for these young men as people and for their family entirely. For our organization, the disbelief is complete. Diogo wasn't simply our athlete. He was someone we all adored. He was a squad member, a partner, a coworker, and in every capacity he was extraordinary.
"I could elaborate extensively about his contributions to our squad, but honestly, anyone who witnessed Diogo compete could recognize it. Dedication, passion, determination, exceptional skill, scoring ability. The embodiment of what a Liverpool athlete represents.
"There were also aspects that not everyone witnessed. The individual who never chased fame but earned it naturally. Not just a companion to a few, but a friend to all. Someone who lifted others simply through his presence. A person who loved his family deeply.
"During our final conversation, I praised Diogo for capturing the Nations League and offered best wishes for his upcoming marriage. In numerous ways, it represented a perfect summer for Diogo and his loved ones, making it even more devastating that it concluded this way.
"Upon joining the club initially, among the first chants I learned was the one our supporters created for Diogo. I hadn't coached him before, but I immediately understood that if Liverpool fans, who have witnessed countless exceptional players throughout the years, created such a distinctive song for Diogo, he possessed remarkable attributes.
"That we've lost those attributes under such horrible circumstances is something we haven't yet processed. Therefore, we need everyone at the organization to unite and support each other. We have this obligation to Diogo, to André Silva, to their extended family, and to ourselves.
"My sympathies extend to Diogo's spouse, Rute, their three wonderful children, and to the parents of Diogo and André Silva.
"At the appropriate moment, we will honor Diogo Jota, we will recall his goals, and we will perform his anthem. For now, we will remember him as an exceptional person and grieve his departure. He will remain in our hearts forever.
"His name is Diogo."
Fenway Sports Group Release Statement
"Speaking for the executive teams at Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group, we extend our genuine and profound sympathies to the family and friends of our number 20 - Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva," a declaration from Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon stated.
"This heartbreaking circumstance and its reality is genuinely shocking, overwhelming and has rendered us speechless with sorrow. We consequently cannot fathom how the immediate and extended family of these extraordinary brothers must be experiencing. Our thoughts, prayers and assistance are with them all.
"We all recognize what Diogo accomplished on the playing field and the crucial part he performed in our achievements since joining this organization in 2020. How he rapidly became a beloved supporter favorite, and his anthem echoed throughout Anfield and in venues around the globe.
"Countless memorable instances, countless precious recollections.
"But beyond the athlete we all recognized, existed a remarkably modest human being, he was genuine, clever, humorous, resilient and formed bonds with people wherever he traveled. He possessed an enthusiasm for life that was completely infectious. Diogo was a devoted father, son, husband and brother, and we, along with everyone who knew him, will deeply miss him as we all attempt to comprehend the magnitude of today.
"Rest in peace, Diogo and André. You Will Never Walk Alone."