Fabinho Details Liverpool Exit, Reflects on Jota's Death

Fabinho, who left Liverpool for Al-Ittihad in 2023, revealed that he initially did not want to leave Europe and Liverpool, considering it the best place to develop his legacy as a defensive midfielder. Despite a challenging previous season where Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League and he lost his starting position temporarily, Fabinho was determined to fight for the Premier League title again before Al-Ittihad's offer was accepted by Liverpool's directors. He sought advice from Jurgen Klopp, who asked Fabinho what he wanted, but ultimately the club was open to selling him. Fabinho also reflected deeply on the tragic death of his close friend and former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, emphasizing how it made him value life and personal connections more profoundly. He praised Liverpool for its support on and off the pitch during his tenure and shared how Jota's death has changed his outlook on life, appreciating what truly matters beyond football. Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace defender Jose Fonte expressed heartfelt sorrow over Jota's passing ahead of the Community Shield match between Liverpool and Palace, highlighting Jota's impact on both football and personal relationships.