Van Dijk Delivers Touching Message to Jota Before Star's Emotional Return to Wolves
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that the team continues to grapple with the devastating loss of colleague Diogo Jota ahead of Saturday's clash against his previous club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jota tragically died in a vehicle collision in Spain over the summer along with his sibling André Silva, prompting both Wolves and Liverpool to honor the Portuguese star. The West Midlands club recruited Jota to English football in summer 2017 before transferring him to Liverpool three seasons later.
The teams will meet for the first time following the heartbreaking incident on Saturday. Jota's children, Dinis and Duarte, will accompany the match mascots for the encounter, ahead of which Van Dijk shared his thoughts on how Jota's death has affected the team.
"Saturday represents our final match of 2025 and looking back at this year, there have been numerous emotions for everyone connected to the club," Van Dijk stated in the program notes. "There have been some remarkable peaks, naturally.
"Securing the Premier League title, which we achieved in April, was extraordinary. Raising that trophy before you supporters at Anfield is a moment I'll treasure forever, I promise you. It represented genuine collective achievement and well-earned recognition for a campaign of dedication, both on and off the field.
"Shortly afterward, however, came the most crushing of valleys. Losing Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in July was something none of us could have anticipated, and something we're all still processing.
"Our hearts, as always, stay with Diogo and André's loved ones. They will never, ever fade from memory, and we will honor their legacy forever."
Arne Slot: Hopefully Love for Jota Comforts Family
Though both Liverpool and Wolves have significant stakes in the match—the Reds are fighting to return to Champions League contention while Wolves face a crucial relegation battle—head coach Arne Slot encouraged both fan bases to unite and show solidarity with Jota's family during this difficult period.
"Looking back on all that has transpired in the past year brings forth a whirlwind of feelings, but it's natural during this season to reflect on recent events," Slot commented in his program piece.
"This reflection particularly draws my thoughts to Diogo Jota's family as they face their first holiday season without him.
"It's not for me to suggest where they might find peace—if such a thing is even achievable—but I can only wish that the warmth and devotion that Diogo continues to inspire might provide them some comfort."
Saturday's encounter will conclude Liverpool's 2025 campaign, with the team returning to action in 2026 when they host Leeds United on January 1st.