Tragic Passing of Diogo Jota
In a heartfelt statement, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot reflected on the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, who lost his life in a car accident on July 3 at the age of 28, along with his brother André Silva, aged 25, in a crash near Zamora, Spain. This weekend marks Liverpool’s return to the pitch with a friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale, the club’s first match since this devastating loss.
Tributes and Commemorations
The team did not originally begin their preseason training as scheduled, as several players had attended Jota’s funeral in Portugal last week. As a tribute during the match, Liverpool will commemorate Jota and Silva with a performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kickoff, and Preston North End will honor them with a wreath in front of the visiting supporters. Additionally, in recognition of Jota’s impact at the club, Liverpool has retired his No. 20 jersey and both teams will sport black armbands as a sign of mourning. There will also be a moment of silence observed, complemented by digital tributes displayed on screens and pitchside LEDs.
Coach’s Reflections
In an interview on the club’s website, Slot expressed deep sorrow over the loss while also emphasizing the profound pride felt for Jota’s character. He acknowledged the immeasurable grief that his family must bear, particularly his parents, wife Rute, and children. Slot revealed that he spoke with many of Jota’s teammates and staff members, who universally praised him not just as a talented athlete, but also as a remarkable individual.
“The first emotion we all share is sadness, followed closely by pride. His family should feel honored by the man he was,” Slot remarked.
Team Spirit and Resilience
He also reaffirmed the strong spirit of camaraderie displayed by the players and their dedication to one another during this difficult time, particularly while they were together in Portugal. While acknowledging the deep sense of grief, Slot asserted the importance of returning to the football field.
“We are a football club, and we must train and play, despite the circumstances,” he stated.
Understanding the delicate nature of their situation, Slot has encouraged his players to embrace their true selves during this tough period.
“Whether you need to cry or laugh, it’s essential to honor your emotions. There is no single right way to navigate through this,” he told them.
He emphasized that Jota’s legacy of rising to challenges should inspire the team to persevere even in their darkest moments. As they prepare for the match, they aim to embody the resilience Jota consistently displayed throughout his career, tackling the situation head-on and striving to honor his memory on the pitch.
