Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield in their opening Premier League game of the new season against Bournemouth on Friday night.
With Jota’s family expected to be in attendance, a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was followed by a period of silence as a fan-led mosaic in the Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish stand were held up to read ‘DJ20’ and ‘AS30’.
Liverpool forward Jota died at the age of 28 in a car crash in northern Spain in July, alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25.
Fans sang “Oh he wears the number 20” in tribute as the players made their way on to the pitch prior to kick-off, with a flag in the Kop saying ‘Anfield will always be your home’.
In his match programme notes, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said: “We know that this will be a very emotional occasion, given it is the first league game we have played since we lost Diogo and Andre.
“As I have said previously, the tributes that have been paid throughout the football world, and especially within the LFC community, have been truly special, and I know that tonight we will come together to honour them once more.
“It is important that, as a club, we show that they [Jota’s family] will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always.”
A moment of silence will be held at all Premier League matches this weekend, with players wearing black armbands, while messages and images will be shown on the big screens in stadiums.
Liverpool’s players will display their own tribute with a ‘Forever 20’ emblem printed on their shirts and stadium jackets. This will remain in place for the season.
The Reds won a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last season with Jota wearing the number 20 shirt, which the club decided to retire after consulting with the former Portugal international’s wife Rute Cardoso and family members.
Jota’s former club Wolves also have tributes planned for their season opener at home to Manchester City on Saturday.
Source: BBC
