Liverpool showed remarkable class by ensuring Diogo Jota’s family received the remainder of his contract earnings following the footballer’s tragic passing. Jota and his brother died in a car accident just after Jota’s wedding.
The gesture was significant, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot, who noted such actions are not commonplace in football, even in grievous circumstances.
Jota, who had two years left on his £140,000-a-week contract, left behind his wife and three children.
Liverpool demonstrated their high ethical standards by paying Diogo Jota’s family the remainder of his contract earnings following the star’s tragic death, according to a report from the Liverpool Echo.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a horrific car accident on July 3 of this year, just 11 days after the forward married his wife, Rute Cardoso.
Jota, who would have turned 29 on Thursday, had two years remaining on his £140,000-a-week deal when the incident occurred, leaving behind his wife and three young children.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the action, praising the owners’ compassion: “Owners are mainly criticised, like managers, but the way they’ve handled this situation by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract is…maybe people think it’s normal, but it is not in football.”
The gesture was made in recognition of Jota’s achievements and significance to the club. He scored 65 goals and recorded 26 assists in 182 Liverpool appearances, helping the team lift the Premier League title and the FA and EFL Cup double of 2022.
In further recognition of his contributions, Liverpool permanently retired Jota’s No. 20 jersey in July. Jota was laid to rest in his hometown of Gondomar, with a club delegation including Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson paying tribute.