Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has confessed that he never believed he would get the chance to play for the Reds.
The Portugal international was somewhat of a slow bloomer in his youth and did not join a top-flight side until he turned 16. But when he eventually did join Pacos de Ferreira in 2013, he did not look back and soon earned himself a move to Atletico Madrid.
Jota then enjoyed a solid spell on loan with Porto before moving to England’s second tier with Wolves in 2017. Three three years later, he was inking a £45m move to Liverpool.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old reflected on the journey that led him to Anfield, confessing he never even dreamed he would make it to such a high level.
“In Portugal, things are different to England,” Jota revealed. “I was playing for a small club and we had to pay monthly to be able to play. It was only when I was transferred to Pacos that I started to receive some money.
“This hunger has been with me ever since I can remember. In my youth, growing up, I never played for the big teams. I had a few team-mates who went to Porto or Benfica. I had trials there but I never stayed. I was one of the better ones but never the best.”
He added: “From the moment that I had that opportunity, I never dropped it again. I think when we are young we always believe. But I probably did not believe that I could reach Liverpool. I just took it day by day.”
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Since moving to Liverpool, Jota has developed a reputation as a prolific finisher who is just as deadly with his preferred left foot as he is with his right.
When asked for an explanation as to why, Jota admitted: “When I was young I was playing in midfield on the left for Gondomar in a 4-3-3. I was always the number eight playing to the left. So I always used my left foot because it was required. I don’t know, I just feel that I do certain things better with the left foot.
“With the right, I am more powerful. But I am more accurate with the left. I do not consider myself the best dribbler. You can look at that statistically. But if they do not know which foot I am going to go on that makes life easier for me.”