Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has announced that the club will honour their late player Diogo Jota, who died last July.
Softfootball can confirm that Liverpool returns to Anfield for the first time since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a road accident last month. The Reds host Athletic Club in back-to-back pre-season friendlies this Monday.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk used his matchday programme column to reflect on the difficult weeks following the tragedy, speaking openly about the impact on the team and the importance of supporting Jota’s family.
According to Van Dijk, he told the club media this:
“It has been a very challenging time.”
“First and foremost, for Diogo and André’s family, for Rute and the kids, they are always the priority in all of this. We can’t imagine their pain.”
Jota’s death sent shockwaves through the Liverpool squad and wider football community, and Van Dijk acknowledged the surreal nature of returning to day-to-day football after such a loss.
He said:
“It’s still a bit surreal. But we are coping in the best way we can. We will never forget Diogo, and that’s why we try to honour his legacy every single day.”
The Portuguese forward had become a central part of Liverpool’s attacking identity in recent seasons. In the days since the tragedy, the club has taken steps to ensure his memory is formally recognized both privately and publicly, with tributes planned at Anfield and elsewhere.
Softfootball had earlier reported that Liverpool will retire the no. 20 jersey in memory of Jota. Van Dijk emphasized that the club’s support structures have been critical.
He said:
“The way everything has been handled, from inside the club to the fans, has been incredible. There’s a deep sense of togetherness.”
Reflecting on the upcoming matches, Van Dijk added:
“It will be emotional just like it was during the Preston game. But we go through this together. We carry Diogo with us, now and always.”
Liverpool plays this evening in a double friendly affair against Athletic Club at Anfield.
