Diogo was adored not just as a footballer but also as a person

LIVERPOOL STAR WAS A CLASS ACT WHO LIVED THE DREAM

- CHRIS MCKENNA

DIOGO JOTA was a man who loved so much more than football.

Football was a part of his life. Something he was very good at and deservedly won major honours in.

A Premier League winner, a player who lifted the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, a Championship trophy and two Nations League titles.

Jota loved football but he loved life outside of the sport, too.

A husband and father to three beautiful children. His wife, Rute Cardoso, who he married just a fortnight ago, will be suffering more than anyone.

But she can take comfort from just how adored her husband was, not just as a footballer but also as a person.

Jota was a quiet character when it came to media duties. Sometimes he would need to be encouraged to speak and, when he did, he would be shy and reserved but always willing to respond to questions.

A year ago, on Liverpool's preseason tour of America, he wanted to speak.

He addressed his previous injury problems, his admiration for Jurgen Klopp and his eagerness to impress Arne Slot.

Jota would do that during preseason and the start of the new era under the Dutchman, only for injury problems to return.