Liverpool play Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time since Diogo Jota’s death. His two sons, Dinis and Duarte, and his wife Rute Cardoso, will be at Anfield
Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool fans singing the Diogo Jota song during matches no longer ‘affects’ the players. The Reds captain has spoken about what their supporters do in the 20th minute of matches, before they play Jota’s former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, for the first time since his death.
Van Dijk told The Times: “We’ve discussed that and we’re at a stage now where it doesn’t affect us. It’s obviously a sign of respect from our fans.
“So it’s up to the fans what will happen, but just to let anyone know that it doesn’t affect us. I remember the friendly game against Preston (North End), where it was really, really tough, but that was only two weeks after the accident.
“The minute’s silence in the home game against Bournemouth was very, very difficult. But I think we’re at the stage now where we want to use it as strength.
“Diogo would want us to succeed; he would want us to do well, and that’s the main thing. And I think the fans sing only out of the respect they have for Diogo because he deserves it.”
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The skipper has also touched on Jota’s locker remaining inside the home dressing room at Anfield and their training centre in Kirkby, as well as a memorial that is in the works at the stadium. Van Dijk, however, says the senior players are looking to increase tributes to their former teammate.
He said: “The senior boys have discussed it, and we want to obviously honour his legacy, not only for the next year, two years, three years. He needs to be remembered forever, and that’s something we’re going to discuss with the club, how we’re going to be able to do that.
Van Dijk added: “I think we can do a lot more in terms of remembering him, and that’s something me and the senior boys will be looking after. And I feel that responsibility in order to make that happen, too.”
Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, will be on the pitch before kick-off between his two former clubs on Saturday. The children are among the mascots at Anfield.
The club invited Jota’s family as special guests. Wolves head coach Rob Edwards and interim executive chairman Nathan Shi, with their players and staff, laid flowers at the stadium on Boxing Day in tribute to Jota.
Arne Slot’s programme notes for the match make mention of Jota’s family. The Reds head coach said: “Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is normal at this time of year to look back on everything that has happened.
“Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him. It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort — if that is even possible — but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.”
