Liverpool club paid a very emotional tribute in their first match after the death of Portugal and Liverpool forward player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On July 3 both brothers were killed in a car crash in the province of Zamora in Spain. It was a shock to the world of football as well as to the sports fans across the world. Let’s understand this emotional moment in detail in 10 key points:
Diogo Jota and Andre Silva died in a car accident
Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva lost their lives on July 3 in car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora. She and her boyfriend were going in Lamborghini and her vehicle lost the way because of the tire rupture when passing another car. Portugal and Liverpool football fans were left mourning after this tragic accident. Both the brothers were heading towards Santander port in Spain so that Jota could join back pre-season training at Liverpool.
Tribute in Liverpool club’s first pre-season friendly
In their opening pre-season friendly game against Preston North End, Liverpool devoted an emotional homage. Prior to the match, there was a singing of what has become a common favorite of all football fans namely the song by Elvis Presley, Can t Help Fallin in Love and the song of Liverpool by name You ll Never Walk Alone. In the process, the mood in the stadium was totally solemn.
Emotional initiative of Preston captain Ben Whiteman
Preston captain Ben Whiteman remembered Diogo Jota and his brother by offering a wreath of flowers in front of Liverpool supporters. At this moment the entire stadium fell silent and everyone’s eyes were moist. This scene also went viral on social media and people called it an example of the beauty of sports and humanity.
Special song and one minute of silence for Diogo Jota
Liverpool fans sang his special song for Jota. When the players entered the field, Jota’s song echoed in the entire stadium. After this, a minute of silence was observed which was performed with great reverence and respect. In the 20th minute, Jota’s song echoed in the entire stadium again.
Special tribute from the players after the goal
When Liverpool player Conor Bradley scored the first goal, he dedicated himself to Jota while looking towards the sky. Darwin Nunez replicated the two unique celebration styles by Jota when he scored the second goal. Cody Gakpo pointed at the 20 with his hands when he scored the third goal (the jersey number of Jota).
Diogo Jota remembered in the match program
A black and white picture of Jota was printed in the match program in which he was seen holding the Premier League trophy. Also, special tribute messages for him and his brother Andre Silva were also included in the program. This small step made the fans even more emotional.
Jota’s jersey number 20 retired by the club
Liverpool club announced that Diogo Jota’s jersey number 20 will no longer be given to any player in the club. The announcement was made on Friday at 20:20 BST, which was entirely in honor of Jota. The club clarified that this number will always be kept safe in memory of Jota.
Emotional message from Liverpool coach Arne Slot
Liverpool’s new head coach Arne Slot spoke to the media for the first time since Jota’s death. He said:
“If we have to laugh, we will laugh. If we have to cry, we will cry. But we do not have to hide our emotions. Jota will always live in our hearts.”
This statement was of deep consolation to both players and fans.
Career and success of Diogo Jota in football
Diogo Jota has 182 games in Liverpool and 65 goals. He won the Premier League title last season as he guided the club to win the FA Cup and League Cup 2022. Internationally, he made 49 appearances playing 14 games to which he finished as a Portuguese player. He last played an international match on June 8, the final of the Nations League against Spain.
Social media and fans’ reaction
After the death of Jota and one of his brothers, messages of condolence began to pour all over social media. The Twitter was flooded with their grief, as well as Instagram, and Facebook all over the world, by all football clubs, players, and fans. Liverpool particularly RIPJota and YNWA You will Never Walk Alone had become hip in appreciation of their fan. It is again something that has indicated that, football is not a game; it is something that brings people together.
Conclusion
However, the fact that Liverpool clubs, players and fans remembered them and honored them was very heart-touching. This incident also shows that players have a different identity even beyond the playing field and their memories remain alive forever. The tribute paid by Liverpool has further strengthened Jota’s place in the heart of every football lover.
