Diogo Jota epitomized the Beautiful Game at its best
CBSN
The Liverpool and Portugal star played with heart and was beloved by fans and teammates. His spirit will never be forgotten
If there is a through line to the outpouring of grief across the footballing world after the death of Diogo Jota, it is the sense of a footballer who was deeply admired. Supporters, teammates and coaches might have adored his talent but there was something deeper about this man that means his passing is so painful even for those who don't know him.
It is best typified in an interview given four years ago. His first season at Liverpool had been a success in spite of injuries; his second would see him playing a starring role as the Reds won a domestic double and took the Premier League and Champions League races to the wire. As was the way when a player at the top of his game speaks, he was invited to reflect on the challenges he came through on his road to stardom. After all, he was still turning out for his local team, Gondomar, at the age of 16, not earning a salary but on his own form of a pay-to-play contract.
Instead, Jota chose to shine the spotlight elsewhere.
