AN emotional tribute was paid to the late Diogo Jota ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season friendly with Preston North End
Jota died in a car crash in Spain ten days ago aged just 28 along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
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The football world has collectively mourned the loss of the winger, who was a beloved figure at Anfield.
The Merseysiders have paid tribute to their late hero, whose death they described as an “unimaginable loss”, outside Anfield over the last ten days.
And they did so once again before their friendly with Preston kicked off at Deepdale on Sunday.
A touching rendition of the Kop club’s anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, from singer Claudia Rose kicked off the tributes to the late Jota and his brother.
Preston skipper Ben Whiteman paid tribute to Jota on behalf of the club, laying a wreath in front of the 6,000 travelling Liverpool fans to rapturous applause.
A minute’s silence was held after the singing of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ for the players – who wore black armbands – and fans to reflect on the Portuguese’s passing.
And it was impeccably observed by everyone in attendance.
Jota leaves behind his wife Rute, whom he married late last month, and their three children.
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Liverpool have touchingly retired the No.20 shirt across all levels in honour of their late fan favourite.
FSG CEO Michael Edwards said: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.
“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual.
“Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
Kop chief Arne Slot said the memory of the universally loved Jota will live on.
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The Dutchman said: “We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.
“Maybe especially in difficult moments but in any moment we are here.
“We will carry him with us in our thoughts and in our hearts.
“To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done.”
Slot added: “What I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything.
“A champion for his family, which is the main and most important thing, because he got married.
“A champion for his country because he won the Nations League, [with] a country that he cared about so much.
“And of course a champion for us by winning the Premier League.”