Support from Diogo Jota
Everton’s forward, Beto, reflected on the support he received from fellow Portuguese player Diogo Jota, who reached out to him as he transitioned to life in England. Ahead of the vital Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Saturday, Beto noted the expected hostility he might face from the Anfield crowd, even after paying his respects to Jota, who tragically passed away in July.
Memories of Jota
Beto, originally from Lisbon and 27 years old, described Jota as a kind and humble individual, recalling that he was the first person to send him a message upon signing with Everton in August 2023.
“Even though we weren’t close friends, as fellow Portuguese players, we had some connections. When I joined Everton, he texted me right away, offering to help me get settled in the city,”
Beto shared.
Camaraderie Beyond Rivalries
He continued talking about the camaraderie he observed between Everton and Liverpool fans, stating,
“It’s heartwarming to see the humanity that exists beyond football rivalries. Many Everton supporters were genuinely saddened by Diogo’s passing, which speaks volumes about the respect he earned on both sides.”
Anticipating the Derby
Despite struggling to make a significant impact on the pitch, registering only 12 goals in 64 Premier League games, Beto voiced his appreciation for the warm reception he has received in Merseyside. However, he anticipates the usual jeering at Anfield on Saturday.
Beto expressed,
“I truly appreciate the Scousers; they’re wonderful people. Those I meet outside of football don’t recognize me as a player and are always gracious. Within the stadium context, however, things change. They’ll jeer me just for being an Everton player, and that’s to be expected. When I’m on the pitch, they won’t consider my goodwill gestures like laying flowers for Diogo.”
Respect for the Liverpool Community
He stressed,
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Diogo and the Liverpool community. Whenever I play there, I intend to carry myself with dignity and respect, particularly since they treated me kindly when I arrived.”
Reflecting on Performance
Beto made note of his previous experience in the derby, where he notably scored during the 2-2 draw last year, which featured a thrilling equalizer from James Tarkowski. But he remains critical of his overall performance since joining the club, especially now that he’s stepping into the role of the primary striker following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“I liked my time at Everton, but I wasn’t satisfied with my performances. I believe I could contribute significantly more, even with limited playing time,”
he reflected.
“As a striker, goals define your value. Scoring makes you good, and failing to score makes you feel less effective. I embrace the pressure to improve; it’s motivating. My performances have evolved significantly, and I’m determined to keep growing and be the best version of myself.”
