Liverpool Squad Rallies Around Diogo Jota as Emotional Anfield Homecoming Looms
Liverpool's squad is preparing for a deeply moving return to Anfield on Monday as they step back onto their home turf for the first time following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota and his sibling André Silva.
The 28-year-old Jota was traveling to board a ferry bound for Liverpool when he suffered fatal injuries in a car crash on July 3. Liverpool and the broader football world have grieved this devastating loss during a period typically spent away from their cherished stadium.
Arne Slot's Premier League title holders come back to Anfield for a pre-season twin fixture against Athletic Club. "We will pay tribute to Diogo today, and continue to do so going forward," Virgil van Dijk expressed in his pre-match program commentary. "He remains part of us forever."
The team captain recognized the sorrow experienced by everyone connected to Jota while also emphasizing: "I keep returning to the reality that we must support Diogo's family, his parents, and that remains our priority. Your mind wanders to countless thoughts, and it's challenging to comprehend. You cannot fathom the anguish, the emotions they're experiencing. That's why we strive to be present as much as possible, for them and for one another too."
Liverpool's opening pre-season match of the summer took place away at Preston North End merely 10 days following Jota's death. It felt less like a showcase game and more like a collective mourning ritual accompanied by the Portuguese striker's cherished anthem.
"It was moving, and we could have continued playing that melody for another 10 days," Cody Gakpo shared with The Athletic this week. "It was touching and demonstrated once more the exceptional spirit of our supporters, and we certainly value that."
"Clearly, he was a remarkable player, but as an individual he was even more exceptional," Gakpo added. "He connected well with everybody. Everyone cherished him, and that's evident in how everyone responded.
"So yes, it's more about wanting to honor who he meant to us. Not as an athlete, because we can watch the player in highlights on YouTube, but rather as the individual he was. He will be absent this season, but he will also be mourned by everyone on this squad and at this club, and by his loved ones, for our entire lives. We will never forget him."
Manager Slot has handled this challenging subject with grace throughout. After reflecting the feelings of Van Dijk and Gakpo, he redirected attention to his team. "I want to acknowledge the resilience and bravery of my players as well," the Dutch manager shared with Liverpool's website.
"They have found themselves facing one of the most difficult situations possible, but the manner in which they have united and the way they have behaved, both on and off the field, reflects well on them and on this football club. We truly couldn't have expected more from the lads, and I am incredibly proud of each one of them."