FC Porto president André Villas-Boas has painfully revealed that Diogo Jota was to be asked about a return to the Portuguese side before his tragic death. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward lost his life alongside his brother, André Silva, in a car crash last Thursday.

The footballing world united in mourning over the weekend as both Jota and his 26-year-old brother were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto.

Many of Jota's former team-mates and peers attended the service. Villas-Boas, president of the club Jota played for during the 2016/17 season and his brother represented at youth level, was also present to pay his respects.

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Speaking during the funeral, Villas-Boas sadly revealed that plans were in motion to bring Jota back to the area he called home, and internal discussions had been had about attempting to sign the late star in 2026, a year before his contract with Liverpool would have expired.

"Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible," Villas-Boas revealed.

"It would be from 2026-27, and we had discussed the possibility. I made a point of conveying that message to Diogo, through Jorge Mendes, at his wedding, and it was a dream for all the Porto fans that it had happened."

Villas-Boas also paid a touching tribute to Jota and his brother, André, admitting that both will be missed and admirably represented Porto.

"Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and André has many years from the children's ranks to the under-19s. They were much loved. We've come to pay our respects to the family," said Villas-Boas. "Diogo, especially as the greatest public figure, was a silent hero. We all appreciated him for everything he stood for, not only on the pitch but also off it.

"He was a partner of FC Porto with its Esports team. Someone who will be remembered fondly, just like his brother," he continued, before revealing that both would become members of Porto, and cards would be left at their memorial.

"Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today," Villas-Boas added. "I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.

"In André Silva's case, we symbolically recovered his membership fees and gave them to his family. We intended to leave the two membership cards here. I did it as chairman of the board.

"Condolences to everyone, to the team-mates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Gondomar and P. Ferrreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."

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