Liverpool has chosen to keep Diogo Jota’s book of condolence open for an additional two days, as tributes continue to pour in for the 28-year-old who tragically passed away on Thursday.
Within hours of Jota’s death, and his brother Andre Silva, fans formed a makeshift memorial outside the Main Stand, with supporters arriving to leave shirts, cards, flowers, and other mementos. A game’s controller, a nod to Jota’s love of the video game Fifa, was even left as homage to the Liverpool No. 20.
Liverpool made the immediate decision to lower flags to half-mast, and to close club stores, museums and tours until Monday. It also opened a book of condolence at the Anfield Road Stand reception area, which fans have queued to sign since Thursday.
Such is the demand, the club has opted to extend its opening beyond this weekend. It was originally planned to be available up until 17:00 BST, but will not remain open until Tuesday at 20:00 BST.
Liverpool has also made an online version available for fans across the globe, while the team will not return as planned to preseason on Monday and will meet the following day.
It comes as the soccer world continues to come to terms with the death of two brothers in their 20s.
The siblings were buried in the Portuguese city of Gondomar on Saturday, with a contingent traveling from Liverpool that included the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Cody Gakpo. Ex-players Thiago, Fabinho, James Milner, and Jordan Henderson also made the trip to Portugal along with current Premier League stars Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.
Messages of solidarity and support continue to flood in, particularly for Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and their three children.
Sadio Mane posted on social media and spoke of his "sadness and dismay." Luis Diaz revealed how he broke down in tears upon hearing the news, and Trent Alexander-Arnold gave a touching tribute after Real Madrid’s Club World Cup win over Borussia Dortmund.
Trent Alexander-Arnolds spoke about Diogo Jota's death
Trent Alexander-Arnolds spoke about Diogo Jota's death (Image: DAZN)
“I had five years sharing a dressing room with him and it goes without saying that he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in our memories,” the right-back told DAZN.
“It's been very difficult for everyone that knew him, not just me and his teammates, friends or family, but the footballing world. Some things are bigger than the game.
“It's been difficult, but also very heart-warming to see the footballing world unite and come together to show their love and support for his family and his brother for what must be mind-blowingly hard times for his family.
“I've been around his family, his brother, his amazing wife and amazing three children, so it's truly heart-breaking. It's something you would never expect. He was a very close friend, somebody who lit up a room.”