Fenerbahçe manager, José Mourinho, has paid an emotional tribute to late Portuguese footballer, Diogo Jota, describing him as a hardworking player who had to fight for every step in his career.
Jota, a forward for Liverpool, died last Thursday in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother, André. The two were buried on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mourinho said Jota was not part of the modern generation of flashy footballers but found fame through talent and determination.
“When people leave this world, we often say ‘he was a nice guy,’ but Diogo really was. I knew him well through my agent \[Jorge Mendes],” Mourinho said.
“He had to fight a lot. He wasn’t from this generation. Protagonism found him because of his talent.”
Mourinho also spoke on the deep pain the tragedy has left behind, adding, “Three kids without a dad, a young woman without her husband, parents without both sons. It’s crazy and hard to understand.”
Jota’s sudden death has shocked the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, teammates, and fans around the globe.