Diogo Jota following Cristiano Ronaldo example as Liverpool star insists he still has his prime years ahead of him after overcoming injury hell

In-form Liverpool forward Jota has revealed that he looks up to fellow Portugal international Ronaldo as an example when it comes to longevity in the game. Jota suffered a serious calf muscle injury in October 2022 which kept him out of action for months. It also forced him to miss the Qatar World Cup, but he has made a full recovery, and at 26 years of age, still believes his best years are ahead of him.

Jota played just 28 matches for the Reds across all competitions last season and managed to score only seven goals. However, in the current campaign, he is back in shape and has already netted eight times in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, the Portuguese said: "You have a lot of energy when you are young but you still do a lot of mistakes and you always learn with experience. I always look up to [Cristiano] Ronaldo, for example, and I think he scored more goals since he has been over 30 than before he was 30, so that shows as well it’s doable. It also means if you are 26 you can be away from your prime and that’s what I expect – and that’s what I work for as well every day."

The attacker will be next seen in action for his national team on Thursday as they take on Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifying game. Portugal are due to face Iceland three days later, having already booked their place at next year's tournament.