Everton striker Beto has spoken movingly about the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, calling the late Portugal international “a really good guy” and revealing how he reached out to welcome him to Merseyside.
The upcoming Merseyside derby on Saturday (September 20) will be the first since Jota’s tragic passing earlier in the summer, adding an emotional backdrop to one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
Beto, who represents Guinea-Bissau internationally and joined Everton last year, said he was deeply shaken by the news.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, the 27-year-old recalled the moment he learned of Jota’s death while at home in Portugal preparing for pre-season.
“I was shocked. I was shocked because Diogo was a really good guy. We were not friends, but you know, when you play against Portuguese players and everything, we normally stop, we speak a little bit,” he said.
Beto explained that Jota had been the first to reach out when he signed for Everton, offering support in adapting to his new surroundings.
“He just texted me and said: ‘I’m happy for you. I’m happy for you. If you need anything on the city, everything, I can help you, just give me a shout,’” Beto revealed.
Despite their rivalry on the pitch, the Everton striker said Jota’s warmth transcended club colours, noting how they would often chat briefly after matches.
“After every game that we play against Liverpool, we’d talk a little bit. We were not best friends, you know, but we talk a little bit, he was a really, really good guy,” he added.
