‘Every game we think about him’ – Rafael Leao reflects on Jota’s tragic passing

The Portuguese forward and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car crash last July in the Zamora area of Sanabria, Spain in a moment that shook the footballing world. 

Liverpool withdrew the number 20 shirt in his memory and the club’s fanbase still sing Jota’s name throughout fixtures when a match reaches the 20th minute. 

Many still mourn his death nearly one year after the event took place. Leao, a former Portugal teammate of Jota, has spoken this week on losing his compatriot and friend. 

“Everyone cared about him. Even if sometimes he was in his corner talking with his wife or kids. But he was a good team-mate and always wanted to help everyone, even me sometimes.

“Sometimes I used to ask him for a few things, and he would also ask me for tickets for his family. To come to AC Milan to watch some games.”

“Every game we (the Portuguese national team) think about him. Always after a game, he was there celebrating and if he could score a goal. And every game we think about him.”

As Portugal head into the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada this summer, the memory of Jota will grow even greater for the likes of Leao who will want to go all the way in the tournament as many remember their former teammate.