Preston Vs Liverpool: The Reds To Honour Diogo Jota In Pre-season Match

The English Premier League champions, Liverpool, will pay tribute to their late striker, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva in Sunday’s Pre-season match as the team returns to the pitch for the first time since their tragic deaths.

Naija News reports that the Portuguese forward and his brother died last week in a fatal car crash in northern Spain on July 3, just 11 days after Jota tied the knot with his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso.

The Lamborghini they were travelling in reportedly veered off the road and caught fire, killing both men instantly.

Preston Match to Kick Off Pre-Season with Solemn Memorials

Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale Stadium will serve as a public tribute to the 27-year-old footballer. The fixture, scheduled for 2:00 pm GMT, will be Liverpool’s first outing since the tragic incident.

According to the club, the anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will be played before kickoff, followed by a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased. In addition, both Liverpool and Preston players will wear black armbands, and digital tributes will be shown on the stadium’s big screens and pitchside boards.

Preston will also lay a wreath in front of the section holding Liverpool’s away supporters.

Naija News reports that Liverpool’s return to pre-season training was delayed until Tuesday as players and staff mourned the loss of Jota.

Manager Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, and other first-team players were in attendance at Jota’s funeral ceremony last Saturday, offering condolences to the bereaved family.

Jota, a father of three, had only recently celebrated his wedding when the accident occurred.

His untimely passing has sent shockwaves across the footballing world, with tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and former clubs.

A Legacy Remembered

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and quickly became a fan favourite for his sharp movement, goal-scoring prowess, and versatility across the front line. He made over 90 appearances for the Reds, contributing significantly to their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Though Sunday’s match is only a friendly, the significance of the day will extend far beyond football, as players, supporters, and the broader footballing community pause to remember a life cut tragically short.