Liverpool and Wolves paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of their Premier League clash at Anfield on Boxing Day
Diogo Jota’s sons joined Liverpool and Wolves stars at an emotional Anfield as tributes were paid at the first meeting of the forward’s two English clubs since the star’s tragic death.
Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso – whom he married two weeks before the tragic crash which killed him – watched from the stands at as the couple’s sons Dinis and Duarte served as mascots.
The pair accompanied Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk and Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa onto the pitch as the crowd delivered a deeply moving rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Van Dijk then took Dinis and Duarte over to the Kop and enjoyed a kickabout with them as supporters applauded.
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Before the match Wolves fans had gathered at the memorial to Jota outside Anfield, with many leaving tributes.
On Boxing Day, the entire Wolves squad made the journey to Anfield to pay their respects at Jota’s memorial outside the ground. Executive chairman Nathan Shi, manager Rob Edwards and goalkeeper Jose Sa all laid floral tributes at the stadium.
Liverpool supporters continue to honour Jota by chanting his name during the 20th minute of every fixture, a touching gesture that reflects his squad number, which the club has permanently retired in the striker’s memory. In his column in Liverpool’s matchday programme, Arne Slot reflected on what has been a challenging year for the club.
“Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him,” wrote Slot.
“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.
“The sense of loss will be particularly strong on Saturday, of course, as it will be the first time that Diogo’s two English teams will meet since his tragic passing. Like us, Wolves were clearly very affected by the loss of such a special player and person so my thoughts continue to be with them also.”
Virgil van Dijk also wrote in his programme notes: “The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July was something none of us could ever have prepared for, and something all of us are still coming to terms with.
“Our thoughts, as ever, remain with Diogo and Andre’s family. They will never, ever be forgotten, and we will carry their memory always.”
