Liverpool Star Could Be Cristiano Ronaldo’s Heir, Says Jorge Simao
Jorge Simao had tipped Liverpool star striker Diogo Jota to become a successor of Cristiano Ronaldo even as far back as when the star was playing for Pacos de Ferreira. Diogo Jota has been named “Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir” even before he starred in the Premier League.
Jota’s former manager Jorge Simao believes that the 23-year old striker could become a top prospect back in 2016. However, the Liverpool star was still a work in progress during that time in his homeland of Portugal. His talent even attracted the attention of La Liga giants Atletico Madrid to make a move for him while at Pacos de Ferreira.
But his then manager Jorge Simao made it clear that Jota would follow the path of his prolific countryman Ronaldo at that point. Simao told The Athletic: “Nobody does what Jota is doing now without having real ambition.”
“When he signed for Porto [in 2016], I told a Portuguese website that, for me, Jota would be the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo.”
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“Obviously, that was quite a big claim to make at that time. Because Jota had only played for Pacos and had not had a good time at Atletico Madrid,” he continued.
“When Jota signed for Liverpool, I sent him a message to congratulate him. He replied, five seconds later, with a link to that old article about him and Ronaldo.”
“It was the very first thing he sent! He must have had it bookmarked. Incredible! He hadn’t forgotten,” added Simao.
Liverpool signed Diogo Jota from Wolves during this summer transfer window. The Portugal international found the back of the net 44 times in 131 outings at Molineux and did not take time to settle at his new club. With Jurgen Klopp putting in £45 million for the starlet with the need to develop his striking force.
So far, the Liverpool star has proved to be a successful signing after notching seven goals in 11 appearances for the Merseyside club since his arrival. Meanwhile, time will tell us if Diogo Jota will become worthy to be called “Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir.”
Do you think Jorge Simao is right about Jota becoming Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir? Feel free to share your opinions with us via our comments section below!
