Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes paid a moving tribute to his late compatriot and friend, Diogo Jota, acknowledging it will be a difficult and emotional occasion at Anfield.
Jota and his younger brother André were tragically killed in a car accident on July 3, a loss that resonated throughout the football community. Fernandes and Jota came up through Portugal’s youth teams together, forming a close friendship despite often facing each other as rivals in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fernandes reflected on his friend’s absence. “Obviously, it’s difficult and sad not to have your national teammate there,” he said. “I played many times against him, not only with the Liverpool shirt but also with the Wolves shirt.”
“It will be difficult because I know how much the fans love the way Diogo was… he was a quiet but funny character inside the dressing room,” Fernandes added. “It will be a difficult moment, but I want to remember the good things and the good moments he had there.”
In memory of the forward, Liverpool has retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt and is planning a permanent tribute outside Anfield. His on-pitch legacy against United is also formidable; in 11 career meetings, Jota never lost, recording seven wins, four draws, and four goals. In a memorable May 2021 match at Old Trafford, he cancelled out a Fernandes opener to help Liverpool secure a 4-2 victory.
Fernandes believes his friend’s memory will be a powerful presence during the game. “He is not with us in presence,” the United captain said, “but he will be there in some way.”
Source link
