Diogo Jota
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The football world is reeling from the shocking news of Liverpool star Diogo Jota’s tragic passing in a car accident in Zamora province, Spain. The accident, which also claimed the life of his 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, has left the football community and fans worldwide in deep sorrow. Jota, a beloved figure in the sport, is remembered not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his humility and kindness off it.
Monica Ferreira said: “Myself, I don’t know too much about football, so I didn’t know him in the first place. My husband, when he saw him, recognised him. He was a normal customer. He was very polite, very humble as well, like everyone knows. And he was very nice with everyone. After his first visit to the coffee shop, he was a regular. We did some dinners with Ruben Neves as well. They were very friendly. Really nice people. Everyone is devastated with the news.”
Ferreira continued: “Everyone was going to the coffee shop to see if they could meet the players there. To have some autographs, some photos, that kind of stuff. He never said no. But every time I had people at the door knocking because they want some photos. It was my husband who called me. He said something like, ‘Do you know who passed away?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘It was Diogo.’ I couldn’t believe it. He was such a nice person with a heart in the right place. It was really, really shocking. And because he was married just a few days before, and his wife was posting some photos. I just had put literally a like on one of the photos from the marriage, from his wedding. So we were really, really surprised.”
Ferreira added: “His wife is devastated. She needs a lot of people to be with her. They’re going to need a lot of support. His wife, their parents, because they lost two kids. It’s really hard. I’m not sure what’s going to happen [at the funeral], if it’s going to be a lot of people or not, but I believe so. He was someone that everyone loved here in Portugal, especially here in the north of the country. Because they are from Gondomar, next to Porto. So here people are a little more friendly, more warm with each other. So I believe there’s going to be a lot of people there. I just want to respect them the most I can. I’m not a friend that talks with them every day. But I met them and they’re really nice people. They didn’t deserve this kind of things. He was a great human being.”
Monica Ferreira, a former Wolverhampton coffee shop proprietor, shared her memories of Jota, highlighting his humility and the warmth he exuded during his visits to her shop, Aromas De Portugal. Located on King Street, the establishment was a popular spot for Wolves’ Portuguese players, including Jota, who frequented the café during his time at the club.
The tragic news has not only affected the football community but also those who knew Jota personally. Ferreira, who has since moved back to Portugal, expressed her intention to pay her respects at Jota’s funeral, anticipating a large turnout from those who cherished him. The loss of Jota and his brother has left a void in the hearts of many, underscoring the profound impact he had on those around him.
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