In a touching tribute, Liverpool icon John Aldridge visited Anfield to honour Diogo Jota with a floral offering. The tragic news of Jota's passing in a car accident, alongside his brother Andre Silva, has deeply affected the Liverpool community.
The incident occurred early on Thursday morning as the brothers were driving through Spain to catch a ferry back to England for Liverpool's pre-season preparations when their car tragically left the road due to a tyre blowout.
Members of Arne Slot's team made the journey to Jota's native Gondomar to pay their respects at the funeral this past weekend. Aldridge, who serves as chairman of the club's official former players association, 'Forever Reds', laid down flowers at Anfield on Monday afternoon, joining the sea of tributes that included scarves, banners, shirts, and photos, all commemorating Jota and his brother.
The card accompanying Aldridge's floral homage bore the message: "Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. YNWA, from John Aldridge and everyone at the former players' association, Forever Reds."
This followed a personal gesture by ex-Reds skipper Jordan Henderson, who had already paid his respects last Friday with his own floral and scarf tribute outside the stadium for Jota.
He also penned his sentiments in the club's book of condolences - which will stay open until at least 8pm BST on Tuesday - before jetting off to Portugal with his ex-team-mates for the funeral.
A wreath laid by former Liverpool player John Aldridge in tribute to Diogo Jota outside Anfield this afternoon
A wreath laid by former Liverpool player John Aldridge in tribute to Diogo Jota outside Anfield this afternoon (Image: Iain Watts, Liverpool ECHO)
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Ian Rush sent his support for the family of the Portugal forward. He said: "At Liverpool, we have always regarded ourselves as one big family. Now one of our family has gone, so we all have to join together and help one another. The last few days have shown that.
"I was invited to Diogo's funeral, but what has happened with my brother passing it was impossible to go. He hadn't been well for some time, but like Diogo, it hasn't really hit home yet. I was in the middle of helping with Gerald's funeral when the news broke about Diogo. To be honest, it's been hard to take in.
"Diogo was a great player, probably the best finisher at the club. He always gave 100 percent. He would make a difference whether he started or came on as a substitute. He would never dominate the headlines and that was the same off the pitch.
Everton boss David Moyes and his assistant, Alan Irvine, had placed flowers in tribute to Jota as they paid their personal respects on Saturday. Everton forwards Beto and Youssef Chermiti, together with club ambassador Ian Snodin, had earlier laid flowers at Anfield on Friday.
Liverpool's players are due to report to pre-season training on Tuesday, with the first match scheduled to take place on Sunday, against Championship side Preston.
No final decision has yet been made on whether the game will go ahead as planned, with Liverpool's staff and players set to be consulted upon their return.