That Island has always been unique, different... It has always been a place where it doesn't matter if you are the best footballer in the world, because when the fans accept you, when they sing for you all over England, then you know you are the greatest. That is exactly what Diogo Žota was - the guy for whom the whole planet is crying today.
The saddest news, the one that leaves everyone petrified and speechless, arrived from Spain this morning - Liverpool's beloved Portuguese player was killed in a car accident, along with his brother Andre Silva.
The smile that never left his face will no longer charm Anfield, his goals - almost always the decisive ones - will no longer raise Liverpool to the heights of football, and his unique celebrations will no longer be there...
All of that goes away with the 28-year-old Žota, but the legend of the guy who was so loved, who was a born winner whether he played from the start or came off the bench, remains.
Memories remain that will celebrate his life, as will the song of Liverpool fans that will continue to be heard from Anfield as long as the great man from the Mersey River exists.
A song about "a guy from Portugal, better than Figo, a guy who wore number 20..."
It was precisely this number that marked the previous season, as well as Liverpool's history, as the "Reds" reached their 20th title and tied with Manchester United on the eternal list of the greatest clubs in England.
Perhaps a number that no one in Liverpool should wear anymore in his honor.
And, until that sad third day of July, everything was perfect in Diogo Jota's life - after celebrating the title with Liverpool, he went on holiday with his family, and then less than a week ago he shared pictures from his wedding.
It was the crowning glory of his love with his long-time partner Ruth Cardoso, with whom he has three children.
Just a few hours before the accident that would tear him away from the embrace of his wife and children forever, he posted a video from the wedding - a video that is now breaking hearts, but also a video by which everyone should remember the smiling "guy from Portugal".
Diogo Jota left too soon, as his former coach Jurgen Klopp wrote, it's hard to find any greater meaning at this point, but the story remains of a boy who was so loved, who knew he had the love of Anfield with him, and the respect of all other stadiums...
He was a guy who deserved in every way that his name should not be forgotten... And, if there is a club that will properly ensure that Diogo does not walk alone, that his memory lives on forever, then it is Liverpool.
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