Liverpool paid a poignant tribute to their former player Diogo Jota and his brother ahead of the first match of the preseason against Preston North End on Sunday. The tragic passing of the former Liverpool forward and his brother in a car accident in Spain on July 3 was remembered by staff, players, and supporters alike. This game marked the first time Jota`s former teammates had played since the accident.
Prior to the kickoff, Preston captain Ben Whiteman delivered a personal tribute in front of the visiting fans. The famous anthem `You`ll Never Walk Alone` resonated through the ground, followed by a minute of silence.
Preston also produced a special matchday program in memory of the Portuguese striker. In a gesture of respect, Liverpool has decided to retire the number 20 shirt he wore. Forward Darwin Nunez honored Jota during the game by performing his well-known goal celebration. The Liverpool squad featured several changes, with new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili making his debut for the team managed by Arne Slot.
Speaking before the match, the Dutch manager commented on the emotional state of the team after receiving the devastating news.
“First of all, it had a lot of impact on us, but nothing compared to the loss that is felt by his parents, his wife Rute and his children and his other family. The first feeling we all have is of sadness. The second feeling that comes to my mind is pride. I think his parents and Rute can be so proud of the player and the person he was — mainly the person. I`ve spoken to many of his teammates, I`ve spoken to many staff members, and they all rate him so high and all say how nice of a person he was,” Slot said. “That he was always himself. So they should and will be very proud if they could hear what all his teammates and all the staff members would say about him.”
