The outpouring of emotion after Liverpool FC's game against Preston North End was emblematic of the bond Jota forged with Reds supporters
The Liverpool supporters paid tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in the Reds' first match since the brothers died in a car accident
The Liverpool supporters paid tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in the Reds' first match since the brothers died in a car accident
(Image: PA)
There was an outpouring of emotion yesterday as Liverpool FC players and fans united to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. The Reds' match against Preston North End was the first since the brothers tragically died in a car accident earlier this month.
The game was held in celebration of Jota and Silva's memory as both club paid their respects to the Portuguese brothers with a number of tributes ahead of kick-off. Liverpool supporters sung Jota's name repeatedly throughout the game before a lengthy rendition of the number 20's popular chant following the final whistle, as Arne Slot's side clapped along in front of them.
The moment of union was another example of just how cherished the Portuguese forward was by his teammates and the Liverpool fanbase. Ever since he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota was adopted as one of their own by Reds supporters.
Jota grew up in a small row of houses off the Rua da Minhoteira in Gondomar and his childhood friends told the ECHO how the way he was embraced in Merseyside was always something valued by people in the neighbourhood. Cosme Oliveira said: "You guys always received him well, so I think we all have to thank you for the way you welcomed our boy in your land."
Jota and Silva's heartbreaking deaths has been particularly difficult for Cosme as he fondly remembers playing football with the two in their grandad's front yard when they were children. The 30-year-old said: "We played from the garage door to the main gate.
"We played small tournaments. I remember back in 2010. We had the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we had this idea that we could make our own tournament. He was Portugal. I was Argentina, Andre was Brazil."
Just as everyone is in Merseyside, Cosme is shellshocked after the tragic news and is clinging on to those happy memories from when he was a child playing in the garden. He said: "Almost every summer, they were going to my house or we'd go into their house to play FIFA or ride our bikes to the town, or play football in the yard.
"His grandma was sad we destroyed the fences. That was the good memories that stayed. I think that's what we have to hold." He added: "They both are the meaning of humble. The passion for football. They never lost their roots here. They never forgot this little town and what we represent. The good memories that we have with them here will always live."
Jota's memory has been immortalised at Liverpool as the club announced they have retired the number 20 he made his own. After consultation with Jota’s family, the retirement will apply to the club at all levels, including the men’s first team, women’s team and the Reds’ various Academy sides.
After the decision was announced last week, Michael Edwards, FSG (Fenway Sports Group) CEO of Football, paid tribute to Jota. He said: "As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.
“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. “As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
Reflecting on the emotional scenes after the friendly match against Preston North End, Virgil van Dijk said: "An emotional day but good work from the boys. Thanks for all your love and support, Reds. Big thanks to @pneofficial and good luck for the rest of the season! “Forever 20!!!”