It was a game at Arsenal in January 2022 that cemented the solid bond between Jota and Liverpool supporters.
On a Thursday night in the League Cup semi-finals, the forward was rampant. He scored two in an electric performance, twisting and turning the Gunners defenders inside out and finishing with his trademark precision.
Supporters in the away end were in love with him. They chanted raucously, ceaselessly the song which had begun to gather momentum on a recent European away trip from part way through the first half, into the concourse at half-time, and until the full-time whistle.
They scarcely came up for air because they wanted Jota to know what a tremendous night he had given them.
Now some of those same supporters stand outside Anfield, dazed and distressed, staring at red shirts with ‘Diogo’ emblazoned on the back as the news of his death begins to settle.
“He was such a nice person,” said Brian Curry, a match-going Liverpool fan.
“He’s a legend. He’ll be sadly, sadly missed by every fan. I’m sure the Kop, and the players when they go on the pitch, will have him in their heart.”
Jota’s 65th and final Liverpool goal, a true poacher’s winner against Everton in front of the Kop in April, now stands as a beacon – a moment in time fans can look back on and take joy in the fact they were able to share it with him.
Footballers often mean more to fans than the players themselves will ever know.
But strolling around the Anfield turf on the final day of the season, big shiny silver trophy in hand, and all four stands singing his name, Jota knew he was adored.
