Liverpool’s win over Wolves on Saturday was not an especially memorable game for the events that happened on the pitch.
However, as an occasion, it is one that will live long in the memory of all who attended.
The reason for that is because Wolves and Liverpool came together in fantastic fashion to honour a fallen player who gave so much for both clubs: Diogo Jota.
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Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Jota’s two sons, Dinis and Duarte were mascots for the game, and with the former Liverpool star’s wife, Rute, also in attendance, emotions were high ahead of kick-off.
Thankfully, the Reds were able to keep their heads and pick up a victory which, although meaningless in the context of Jota’s tragedy, could be important for their season. On Sunday, Ibrahima Konate took to Instagram to pen a message which suggested it had not been easy for the Liverpool squad to focus.
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Having missed some training sessions in the lead-up to Saturday, Konate had been a fitness doubt for the clash with Wolves.
As Anfield Watch report, the Frenchman only returned to training on Friday having missed the full week with a bug.
Ibrahima Konate shakes hands with Diogo Jota after being substituted during Liverpool's Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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But as Konate admitted during his emotional post, nothing was going to keep him from playing and paying tribute to his friend and former teammate Jota.
“Yesterday, it was much more than just a match,” he said. “If there is one game I would never have wanted to miss this season, it was this one.
“Diogo, we know we will never be able to step onto a football pitch with you again, my brother. But yesterday, it felt like we did. A part of you was with us, walking beside us before the match. What a pleasure… and at the same time, what pain.”
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Mateus Mane was especially impressive at Anfield 👀
Mateus Mane runs with the ball during Wolverhampton Wanderers' Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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“Seeing your family smiling, seeing your kids walk out, brought so much warmth to my heart. I gave everything, and I’m proud we won our fourth game in a row. I’m happy the last few games have been better, and Inshallah we will kick on in 2026… and remember, enjoy every moment of this life. Forever 20.”
Konate and Jota’s friendship ran deep
Konate and Jota clearly had an excellent bond as teammates and friends. The pair teamed up to deliver the squad’s EAFC ratings in 2023 to hilarious effect.
They also featured in a ’round table’ discussion in February alongside Alexis Mac Allister in which Jota revealed that he and Konate had been neighbours for two seasons.
The centre-back also paid tribute to Jota’s finishing, admitting that he would love to be able to score goals like his former teammate.
“The finishing. Every time we play with him and he has a situation to score, we know we will score this action. Left and right foot,” Konate said.
Poignantly, Konate was also the player to make way for Jota during the final Liverpool appearance of his life, against Crystal Palace in May.
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