Moyes said he was "saddened" by the news but it brought the city of Liverpool together
David Moyes and assistant Alan Irvine lay a tribute at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota
(Image: PA)
David Moyes used his first programme notes of the season to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The Everton boss reacted to the "horrendous news" by saying it brought the city of Liverpool together.
The striker died aged 28 alongside his brother in a car crash last month in Spain. The accident was the result of a blown-out tyre as Jota and Andre were making their way towards a ferry that was bound for the UK ahead of a return to pre-season training.
Following his death, Everton paid tribute to the Liverpool striker saying the club was "devastated" by the news.
In a statement, Everton said: "The club said: "We are devastated by this tragic news. Everyone at Everton is sending their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva."
In a separate tribute posted to club accounts, Everton added: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time."
David Moyes used his first programme notes of the season to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
David Moyes used his first programme notes of the season to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
And ahead of today's first game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Roma, the Everton boss paid tribute to Jota and his brother.
Writing in his programme notes, the Everton manager said: "I must say how shocked and saddened everybody around the club was at the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
"It was horrendous news but it not only brought the football world together, it brought the city of Liverpool together.
"Every Evertonian was as stunned as the Liverpool fans were at such distressing news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diogo and Andre’s families, children and friends."
Diogo Jota with the Premier League trophy on the final day of the 2024/25 season
Diogo Jota with the Premier League trophy on the final day of the 2024/25 season
Ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off at Anfield on Friday, August 15, Liverpool announced it had commissioned a sculpture to be made in honour of the forward.
The club have since retired the Portuguese’s No.20 squad number across all levels after consultation with the player's family, and they announced a number of further tributes for a forward who joined from Wolves in September 2020.
Floral tributes that were left outside the stadium following the passing of the striker will now be composted and used in flower beds across all club sites, including Anfield, the AXA Training Centre and AXA Melwood Training Centre.
The remaining artefacts are set to be recycled by a specialist company and used to help create a permanent memorial for Jota, that will become a future focal point of remembrance at Anfield. The design itself remains the subject of dialogue.
The LFC Foundation has also committed to creating a grassroots football programme in Diogo’s name, while a special fan mosaic and a minute of silence is being planned for the first game of the Premier League season, against Bournemouth.