On July 3, 2023, the world of football was rocked by a tragedy that affected not only Portuguese football but also the international sporting scene. Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, passed away in a tragic accident, leaving his fans, teammates, and all those who admired his talent and character deeply saddened. However, before this fateful event, Dr. Gonçalves, who was the last person to speak to Jota, revealed details of the conversation he had with him on the evening of April 2, just hours before the tragedy.

Dr. Gonçalves, who had a close relationship with Diogo Jota and Andre, the teammate who was with him at the time, was devastated upon receiving news of the tragic event. As he recounted in an interview with Record, his last conversation with Jota occurred at 8:30 PM on April 2, shortly before the incident that occurred at 12:35 AM on July 3. In that conversation, Jota seemed calm and professional, an attitude that always characterized him both on and off the football field.

“Diogo was always highly professional and very cautious in his personal life. He never let his guard down and always had the future in mind. He was scheduled for a medical checkup in Liverpool on July 7, which demonstrates how committed he was to his health and his career. At no point did he appear out of line or irresponsible,” commented Dr. Gonçalves. According to the doctor, neither Diogo nor Andre had consumed alcohol prior to the tragedy. This clarification was key, as often in tragedies like this, rumors and speculation about substance use can obscure the truth behind the events.

Dr. Gonçalves emphasized that during that last conversation, Jota was completely focused on his career and his well-being. However, he never imagined that just a few hours later he would receive the devastating news of his death. The loss of such a caliber of athlete was a devastating blow not only to his family, but also to his teammates and those close to him.

“It was a very difficult time for everyone who knew Diogo,” added Dr. Gonçalves, visibly shaken by the situation. “We never imagined something like this could happen. He was a brilliant young man, with a great career ahead of him, full of dreams and projects. What happened that night left us all in shock. It’s hard to accept that someone so professional and dedicated is no longer with us.”

The news of Jota’s accident shocked the football community. The Portuguese player was at the peak of his career, a key player at Liverpool and playing an important role in the Portuguese national team. Since his arrival at the English club, Jota had quickly earned the affection of the fans, thanks to his skill on the field and his humble and hard-working attitude off it.

Jota had been a key pillar of Liverpool’s attack, and his loss left a void in the team. Jota’s teammates, as well as his coaches, shared messages of grief and admiration for the player after hearing the news. Many of them highlighted not only his talent, but also his character and work ethic. Liverpool fans also expressed their sadness on social media, paying tribute to a player who had earned their respect.

Dr. Gonçalves, who was an important figure in Jota’s inner circle, explained that the young footballer always displayed a professional attitude, even during his rest periods. “He was someone who understood the importance of taking care of his body and staying in shape. He was very focused on his recovery and being the best he could be for his team,” the doctor explained.

The news of his death brought with it a torrent of emotions, from sadness to disbelief. Those close to Jota, like Dr. Gonçalves, have to deal not only with personal loss but also with the responsibility of conveying the truth to the public. Fortunately, it was made clear that Jota was not involved in any activity that could have put his life at risk that night. His death, therefore, is considered an inexplicable tragedy, but his legacy as one of the most promising footballers in Portugal and the world will live on forever.

Football has lost a great star, but Diogo Jota’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, both on and off the field.