Unity Amidst Tragedy
In a heartfelt reflection on unity amidst tragedy, Cody Gakpo expressed the profound impact that the loss of his teammate Diogo Jota has had on Liverpool Football Club. Jota, a beloved player and person, tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, last month in Spain. This devastating event has cast a shadow over the club as they prepare for the new Premier League season, seeking solace in their collective grief.
Team Camaraderie
Gakpo recounted that the team received the shocking news while many players were still away on vacation. Stating,
“It’s been very difficult,”
he emphasized the importance of camaraderie during such a trying time.
“We came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible,”
he said, highlighting their support for Jota’s family and their commitment to honor his memory.
Tributes and Memorials
The 24-year-old winger, who learned of the tragedy while holidaying in southern France, traveled to Portugal for Jota’s funeral. Upon returning to Liverpool, he visited a memorial outside Anfield, where thousands of fans had left tributes for Jota, affirming the love and respect the community holds for the late player.
“I hope the family felt the love we have for them and for Diogo,”
Gakpo shared.
As part of their healing process, Liverpool’s players participated in an emotional tribute during their friendly match against Preston North End. For seven minutes after the game, they stood in silence, applauding the 5,600 supporters in attendance while Jota’s song played, stirring tears among fans and players alike. Gakpo remarked on the beautiful display of support from their fans, acknowledging their incredible spirit.
Honoring Jota’s Legacy
The club has taken significant steps to honor Jota’s legacy, including retiring his No 20 jersey and planning a memorial sculpture at Anfield. This season, players will wear a “Forever 20” emblem as a tribute, a decision that Gakpo commented on, saying,
“It is the least we can do.”
He added that this tribute aims not just to remember Jota’s prowess on the pitch, but the remarkable person he was off it, and that his absence will be felt deeply.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s upcoming match against Athletic Club at Anfield will serve as a poignant reminder of Jota’s spirit. This friendly event is also the final preparation for their curtain-raiser, the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday.
Gakpo’s Optimism
In terms of his own performance, Gakpo is optimistic about the upcoming season, aiming to build on his previous year, where he scored 18 goals. Having fully recovered from an ankle injury that hindered him later in the last campaign, he is focused on contributing significantly as Liverpool seeks to defend their title.
The summer transfer window has seen Liverpool invest heavily, bringing in new talent aimed at bolstering the squad. Gakpo sees this as a signal of the club’s ambition to reclaim dominance after falling short in various competitions last season. Reflecting on the past year, he emphasized,
“We lost in critical matches that we felt we could have won, and that motivates us to strive harder this time around.”
Gakpo is fueled by the memories of Liverpool’s title celebration last May, where over a million fans festooned the streets in jubilation. He recognizes that replicating such triumphs is not a given and is determined to contribute to more success for the club.
“If you have the quality, you must go for it and try to get more of those experiences,”
he expressed, as he and his teammates prepare to honor Jota’s memory by striving for excellence on the pitch.
