Van Dijk got to step onto the Anfield pitch with Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Wolves - another of the Portuguese’s former clubs - on what was an emotional occasion for all concerned.
He said, on a day that saw both sets of supporters pay homage to a cult hero: “It was an absolute honour to have the boys with me and Ali [Alisson] as well together. I think it was something I was really looking forward to. Obviously after discussions with Rute and the family it was really something I looked forward to.
“It was going to be emotional, but I think it’s something that the boys will remember forever. Hopefully there’s more to come in the future for them and they can keep enjoying Liverpool because Liverpool is the place that’s very big to their hearts and Diogo will always stay with us forever. I was very proud to have them with us and the fans I think appreciated that as well.”
Liverpool closed out their schedule for 2025 with a 2-1 victory over Wolves, as Wirtz registered his first competitive goal for the club. They ended the year sat fourth in the Premier League table, 13 points adrift of leaders Arsenal after enduring an inconsistent start to the campaign.
Slot is among those to have admitted that the loss of Jota impacted his players early in the season, with fans continuing to sing his name at matches while the Reds’ No.20 shirt has been retired as a mark of respect.