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Liverpool FC took the field for the first time since the death of their star player Diogo Jota in a tragic car accident earlier this month. Days after his demise, the team took the centre-stage, playing their first pre-season friendly at Preston North End against Preston on Sunday, July 13. It is to be noted that Jota and Silva, who were popular figures in the football circle, having played for The Reds as well as Portugal, passed away on July 3 in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Days after their tragic death, as the team took the field, the stadium echoed with chants of Diogo Jota. While the players from both sides, Liverpool as well as Preston along with officials of the match were seen sporting black armbands, they also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late footballers.
Preston North End echoes with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in honour of Jota
However, the game saw Liverpool rein victorious by 3-1 margin against Preston, fans of the two clubs united to hail Jota and his brother Andre Silva. But during the entire match, the away end was flooded with flags commemorating the former Porto attacker and sang Jota’s song. Furthermore, at the 20th minute, the crowd burst into another rendition of Jota’s song.
Moreover, a visible emotional captain of Preston, Ben Whiteman also mourned the loss of a great footballer as he laid a wreath in front of the traveling Liverpool supporters. Liverpool manager, Arne Slot also shed light on the loss as he issued his first statement since Jota’s demise. "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. In any moment we are here, we will carry him with us in our thoughts and in our hearts. To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done…,” Slot said as quoted on Liverpool website.
Speaking of the late attacker, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season. He played his final match for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League on 8 June. He scored 14 goals in 49 internationals.
