Cristiano Ronaldo was my childhood hero: Liverpool's Diogo Jota remembers Euro 2004

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has revealed his admiration for fellow international compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo and admitted that he idolised the Juventus superstar while growing up. The 23-year-old has fond memories of watching Ronaldo, who was a teenager at the time, leading his team to the Euro 2004 final, where Portugal eventually lost to Greece. Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves earlier in the summer and has proved to be one of the signings of the season as he's already scored nine times in 15 appearances for the Reds. 

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Diogo Jota reveals Cristiano Ronaldo was his childhood hero after watching Euro 2004

While speaking to The Atheltic, Diogo Jota spoke of the time when he initially fell in love with football and how he still has fresh memories of Portugal's run to the final in the Euro 2004. "My earliest memories of watching football dates back to the Euro 2004 when we reached the final but unfortunately lost to Greece. But since then I've always had a passion for the game", he said. Jota then added that he was in awe of then-teenager Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished the tournament with two goals to his name.

"Ronaldo was only 19 at the time and playing in the Euro for Portugal with such high quality. He was my hero while growing up and I idolized him. He was at Manchester United and Real Madrid as well and as Portuguese guys, we always looked up to him"

Due to his impressive displays at club-level football, Jota has now become a regular for Portugal and relishing the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo. Since making his debut in November 2019, Jota has earned 10 caps and scored three goals for Portugal.

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On Sunday, Jota is in line to face his former club Wolves for the first time since his switch to Anfield. The young attacker has hit the ground running with the Merseyside club and admitted that much of the credit belongs to Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp. "Normally, when a player arrives at a new club, he takes time to adapt, but Jurgen has helped me settle in so well at Liverpool", said Jota. 

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Jota went on to label the German as a "fantastic" manager, "He (Klopp) told me how the team works and what he wants from me. I think he's a fantastic coach and I'm enjoying my football at the moment." Jota has bagged nine goals in 15 appearances for Klopp's side since his €50 million (£41 million) move from Wolves to Liverpool in the summer. 

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Image Credits - Diogo Jota Instagram