Liverpool Honors Diogo Jota: Tributes Planned After Tragic Loss
Liverpool Football Club is set to honor the memory of Diogo Jota, the beloved forward who tragically passed away in a car accident last month along with his brother Andre Silva. The club has planned a series of tributes for their Premier League season opener against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Anfield to Pay Respects
A moment of silence will be observed before the game, and players will wear black armbands. The stadium's big screens will display messages and images in remembrance of Jota. The Kop and the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand will feature a special mosaic during the silence, created by fans.
Manager's Words
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his sentiments in his programme notes, acknowledging the emotional weight of the occasion. He mentioned the presence of Jota's family and emphasized the club's unwavering support for them during this difficult time.
“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,” Slot wrote. “I believe that Diogo's wife, his children and his family will be in attendance and it is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always.”
'Forever 20' Tribute
The Liverpool players will wear a 'Forever 20' emblem on their shirts and stadium jackets throughout the season, honoring Jota's squad number. The club has also retired the number 20 shirt in his memory, following consultations with his family.
Commemorative T-Shirt and Foundation Support
LFC Retail has launched a commemorative T-shirt featuring an image of Jota making a heart gesture, lyrics from his fan song, and 'Forever 20.' All profits from the T-shirt sales and 'Diogo J. 20' shirt printing will go to the LFC Foundation to support a grassroots football program in his name.
Tributes will also be held across all Premier League games this weekend to honor the brothers. The club is planning more permanent tributes in the future, carefully separating and preserving the thousands of physical tributes left outside Anfield.