Jota's wife, wearing a white coat, looks out from the stands at Anfield as her two sons lead tributes to the Portugal forwardPA Media
Stewart Whittingham
North West
The widow of footballer Diogo Jota has thanked Liverpool fans for their "love" in "this incredibly difficult time" after he died in a car crash.
Rute Cardoso posted a message on Instagram after two of the couple's three children led tributes before Liverpool's game against Wolves.
His sons Dinis and Duarte joined the matchday mascots on the Anfield pitch before the Premier League game on Saturday. Jota played for both clubs.
The Portugal forward, 28, was killed in a car crash in Spain in July, alongside his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk with mascots and Denis and Duarte, sons of Diogo Jota, ahead of the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool.PA Media
His Lamborghini suffered a tyre blow-out, crashing and catching fire in Cernadilla in the Zamora province of Spain.
His widow said in an Instagram message: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the club and to all the fans for the love, respect and support shown during this incredibly difficult time.
"Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express."
Jota's sons led the Liverpool team out of the tunnel before Saturday's Premier League game, and walked out ahead of captain Virgil van Dijk.
A banner which read: "Diogo Jota, forever in our hearts" was held aloft in the Kop stand before kick-off.
Jota joined Wolves on an initial season-long loan deal from Atletico Madrid in 2017 and went on to score 44 goals in 131 appearances.
Diogo Jota, wearing a red Liverpool shirt, smiles with both arms extended after scoring a goalPA Media
He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, helping them win the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season.
The Merseyside club retired Jota's number 20 shirt following his death.
Get in touch
Tell us which stories we should cover on Merseyside
Contact form
Contact form
Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Tears as fans mourn Liverpool's Jota at Anfield
A crowd of fans pay respects at tributes to Jota. One woman has a hand over her mouth. A man in a white vest bows his head to reflect.
Humble, generous and a star - Jota left his mark on everyone he met
Diogo Jota