LIVERPOOL paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota as the Premier League season kicked off at Anfield on Friday.
The Portuguese forward, who died last month aged 28, was remembered alongside his brother Andre Silva in a tragic accident in northern Spain.
Just 11 days before the crash, Jota had married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children.
A banner displayed at The Kop stand read: “Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda – Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Fans held up a giant mosaic with Jota and Silva’s initials and shirt numbers during a minute’s silence before the match against Bournemouth.
Liverpool retired Jota’s number 20, and a permanent sculpture will be placed outside Anfield in his memory.
The squad will wear “Forever 20” on their shirts and matchday jackets for the rest of the season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said in his programme notes: “The tributes that have been paid throughout the football world, and especially within the LFC community, have been truly special.”
He added: “I believe that Diogo’s wife, his children and his family will be in attendance and it is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support.”
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and spent five successful years at the club.
During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. – AFP