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Liverpool’s match against Preston North End, their first scheduled match of their preseason, will go ahead as planned on Sunday despite the death of LFC forward Diogo Jota. Jota, 28, was killed alongside his brother in a car accident in Spain on July 3.
After discussions between the two clubs in the days following Diogo Jota’s tragic death alongside his brother Andre Silva, the decision has been made to move forward with the preseason friendly at Preston’s Deepdale stadium on Sunday, July 13.
The two clubs have also discussed the best way to honor Jota and Silva prior to the match, which will see about 5,000 Liverpool fans in attendance.
“Liverpool will make the short trip to Deepdale (3pm kick-off BST) as Arne Slot’s squad prepare for what will be an emotional return to action as they continue to process the sudden loss of a much-loved team-mate and friend. Preston are liaising with Anfield officials about how best to pay tribute to the Portugal international prior to the game.” [via The Athletic]
On Tuesday, a crop of Liverpool players, such as Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, and new signing Jeremy Frimpong, reported to the training facility to begin their preseason.
Later in the day, veteran Scottish leftback Andrew Robertson and manager Arne Slot visited the memorial to Jota outside of Anfield and left their own tributes.
“MacJota, our hearts are broken but feelong very grateful for the memories you gave us all. I will miss you. Love you, brother,” Robertson’s card read.
“Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together. Andre and yourself will forever be in our hearts,” wrote manager Arne Slot, who is coming off winning the Premier League in his first season in charge at Liverpool.