Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva ahead of Monday’s double-headed friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
The Reds faced the Basque club over two back-to-back matches at Anfield before the start of the new season, in the first home match since the tragic events of last month when Jota and Silva passed away in a car crash in northern Spain.
Liverpool had honored the siblings before the matches against Preston North End, AC Milan and Yokohama, but back at Anfield, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson was joined by Bilbao president Jon Uriarte in laying a wreath on the pitch in front of the Kop End ahead of the first match on Monday.
"Rest in peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, You'll Never Walk Alone," read the billboard around the side of the pitch, while fans chanted Jota's names as Thompson and Uriarte entered the pitch, and again when the match began.
The front cover of Liverpool's matchday program was adorned with photos of Jota, while it contained an obituary titled "Forever our no.20".
Writing in the program, Arne Slot also paid tribute to Jota. "I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening," he wrote.
Phil Thompson and Bilbao president Jon Uriarte lay wreaths in honour of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield.
Phil Thompson and Bilbao president Jon Uriarte lay wreaths in honour of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield
"It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.
“We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.
"Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.
"I want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here, too. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable."
Liverpool has already confirmed plans to permanently retire the no.20 jersey, while a sculpture outside the ground is to be commissioned.