Arne Slot Pays Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota: “With Him, Everything Revolved Around the Team”

Liverpool manager reflects on the tragic loss of a true team player and a beloved human being

Liverpool manager Arne Slot opened up about the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, speaking with heartfelt emotion about the player’s legacy both on and off the pitch. The Portuguese forward, signed from Wolverhampton for €50 million, left a profound impact on the club, his teammates, and the entire football community.

In an interview with DAZN, Slot shared how deeply the tragedy affected the squad and praised Jota’s unselfish character and team-first attitude.

“It had a huge impact on us, but nothing compared to what his parents, his wife Rute, and his children are going through,” said Slot. “The first feeling we all have is sadness.”

“A Wonderful Human Being”

Slot made it clear that Jota’s legacy goes far beyond his contributions on the pitch.

“I spoke with many teammates and staff members, and they all said the same thing: Diogo was an incredible person,” said Slot. “His parents and Rute can be proud not just of the player, but of the man he was.”

The Dutch coach, who led Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title, described how the squad found strength in unity following Jota’s death.

“Our players showed the world what it means to be human. What they did in Portugal, the way they supported one another that will stay with me forever.”

The Photo That Said Everything About Jota

Slot shared a touching anecdote that captured Diogo Jota’s humility and selflessness:

“After we won the Premier League, he had the chance to pick a photo for his house. He didn’t choose one of himself lifting the trophy. He chose a picture of the entire team. That’s who he was it was never about him, always about the group.”

A City—and a Football World—United

According to Slot, the support shown in Liverpool was unprecedented.

“It wasn’t just Liverpool fans. Everton fans, supporters across England, even from around the world everyone came together. That says everything about the kind of impact Diogo had.”

Slot, accompanied by his wife, personally visited Jota’s memorial in Portugal, a moment he described as “nearly impossible to put into words.”

A Legacy of Pride and Heartache

Slot ended the interview with two powerful words that will forever define Jota’s memory at Liverpool:

“Sadness and pride. The sadness is overwhelming. But the pride in who he was, in what he stood for is just as strong.”