Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot visited Anfield on Monday to lay a wreath in remembrance of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva following their tragic deaths
Ruben Amorim Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot lay a wreath
Ruben Amorim Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot laid a wreath for Diogo Jota
(Image: Peter Powell)
Manchester United’s Portuguese trio travelled to Anfield to pay their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on Monday. United manager Ruben Amorim, captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot added a wreath to the hundreds outside Liverpool’s stadium.
Liverpool star Jota, 28, died alongside his 25-year-old brother in a horrific car crash in Spain earlier this month. Their deaths have shocked the footballing world, prompting an outpouring of emotion that has gone well beyond club rivalries.
Both Fernandes and Dalot attended the funerals of their Portuguese compatriots in their homeland on July 5 and were then given additional time off by United. They were part of the Portugal squad, alongside Jota, who won the Nations League, beating Spain on penalties in the final.
They were accompanied by Amorim to lay a wreath with red and white flowers, with a note which read: “Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. With deepest condolences from everyone at Manchester United.”
Wearing dark clothes, the trio added the United wreath to the masses of flowers and mementos that have been left by Liverpool fans and members of the public outside Anfield.
It comes after Liverpool played their first game since the tragic news, facing Preston in a pre-season friendly at Deepdale. The Reds, who have retired Jota’s No.20 shirt number, won the game on Sunday 3-1 thanks to goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo amid emotional scenes.
Manchester United's floral wreath for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Manchester United's floral wreath for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
"Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened," said Slot ahead of the game. "But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not.
"What I’ve said to the players, I can say it here as well. It’s very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate. What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate [for] what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision?
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes lay a wreath
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes laid the wreath outside Anfield
"And I’ve said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was. And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself, it didn’t matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, to the staff, he was always himself.”
Fernandes paid tribute to Jota on social media in the aftermath of the car crash. "Friend, colleague and companion in a thousand battles," he wrote on social media.
"It is difficult to understand how it is possible for someone to leave so soon. May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after those you lost so soon and suddenly. My condolences to your entire family."
Ruben Amorim stood back to let his players lay the wreath
Meanwhile, Dalot wrote: "Devastating... speechless... much strength to the family." Other United players shared their condolences too.
Harry Maguire wrote: “So sad. RIP. Heartbreaking.” Mason Mount added: “Absolutely devastating news. Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. Deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family.”
Amad wrote: “My sincere condolences to Jota’s Family and his Wife. We are all devastated by this news. May their souls rest in peace.” Joshua Zirkzee said: "Unbelievable news... rest in perfect paradise, prayers to your loved ones."