Andy Robertson, Arne Slot and Michael Edwards laid tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield on Tuesday as Liverpool continues to mourn the untimely and tragic death of the Portugal forward.
Jota passed away on Thursday following a car crash in the Zamora region in northern Spain, which also devastatingly claimed the life of his younger brother Andre Silva. It is understood the siblings were driving to catch the ferry back to England ahead of the start of preseason training, which was originally scheduled for Monday.
That was pushed back to Tuesday in light of the devastating news, with the majority of the squad flying out to Portugal over the weekend for the brothers’ funeral. In the meantime, thousands of tributes have been laid outside Anfield, and a book of condolence was opened at the ground.
Robertson, Slot and Edwards were among those in Portugal and, on Tuesday, laid flowers at the makeshift memorial outside Anfield.
“Our hearts are broken,” Robertson wrote in a card. “But feeling very grateful for the memories you gave us all. I will miss you. Love you, brother. Robbo.”
The Scotland defender last week posted a poignant message following the news of Jota’s death, and referenced their shared enjoyment of following the darts and attending the horse racing. Robertson was also among those who attended Jota’s wedding just 11 days before his tragic death.
Arne Slot and his wife observe the Diogo Jota memorial outside Anfield
Arne Slot and his wife observe the Jota memorial outside Anfield
Slot, alongside his wife, laid a bunch of flowers and a card at the memorial. “Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together. Andre and yourself will always be in our hearts,” read the card, which was signed by Slot’s family.
Edwards, the CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group, left a card that read: “With love and remembrance. In honour of Diogo Jota - down to earth, determined, a great finisher, and above all, loved and respected by all who knew him. He gave everything to the team with quiet strength and unwavering humility.
“His impact reached far beyond the pitch. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who held him dear. Rest in Peace, Diogo.”
A card message left outside Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota
Michael Edwards's touching tribute to Diogo Jota
Robertson, Slot and Edwards were also pictured taking in the tributes and reading the cards and messages which have been left at Anfield.
It comes just hours after Liverpool’s Women’s side laid a floral tribute at the memorial, courtesy of Grace Fisk and Gemma Bonner, who also signed the book of condolence.
Liverpool broadcast a free-to-air program in memory of Jota on Monday night, as the club slowly returns to some semblance of normality.
There is no update yet on whether Sunday’s prearranged friendly against Preston North End will go ahead as scheduled.