Liverpool’s preparations for the new season have taken an emotional pause after the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese international, just 28 years old, passed away in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
The news has left the football world stunned, and Liverpool have delayed their pre-season plans as the club and its players mourn the loss of a teammate, a friend, and a beloved figure in the dressing room.
Jota had chosen to travel by car and ferry back to England after undergoing minor surgery and being advised not to fly.
His journey ended in tragedy early Thursday morning when a tire on the vehicle burst, causing it to crash off the highway. He was returning to Liverpool for the start of pre-season.
Liverpool had initially planned to welcome players back to the AXA Training Centre on July 4.
That return has now been pushed to Monday, July 7. At this moment, football has taken a back seat.
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Head coach Arne Slot admitted words fail in times like these. “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?” he said.
The club’s facilities remain closed as players, staff, and fans grieve together. Anfield has become a place of tribute, with fans laying scarves, shirts, and heartfelt messages.
Support has poured in from across the football world, including Wolves, where Jota spent three successful years.
Liverpool’s first friendly against Preston North End on July 13 is still scheduled to go ahead.
But the tone of pre-season has clearly shifted. Slot, who is only just settling in, now leads a group united by grief before football.
Mohamed Salah posted, “It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.”
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