Liverpool supporters, players, and staff came together at Anfield to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. The Reds played a friendly double-header against Athletic Club in their first home game since Jota’s sudden passing in July.
Jota, aged 28, and his brother Silva lost their lives in a car crash in Spain. The tragic loss deeply affected the club, and Sunday’s event reflected that emotion through powerful gestures and collective remembrance.
Fans and Club Unite to Celebrate Jota’s Legacy
Before kickoff, Liverpool great Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths at the center of the pitch. The crowd raised banners, jerseys, and scarves in Jota’s honor. A stadium-wide message read: “Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva – You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
In the 20th minute, reflecting Jota’s shirt number, the referee halted the game. Fans, players, and coaches stood and applauded to recognize his contribution and memory.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, shared his thoughts in the programme:
“It has, of course, been a very challenging time. First and foremost for Diogo and Andre’s family, for Rute and the kids. They are the people who must always come first in all of this. We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain in this moment.”
“It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That’s also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy. We will honour Diogo today, and in the future also. He will always be with us.”
Slot Praises the Support and Focuses on the Future
Manager Arne Slot also expressed his emotions through the programme, directly addressing the fanbase: “I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games. We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”
On the field, Liverpool’s young squad earned a 4-1 victory in the opening match. Teenager Rio Ngumoha grabbed attention again by scoring a sensational goal. In the second match, Cody Gakpo struck twice and Mohamed Salah scored once, helping Liverpool secure a 3-2 win.
The fixtures wrapped up Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies. They now prepare to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10. The Reds will then begin their Premier League campaign on August 15 at Anfield against Bournemouth.
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