Liverpool Football Club has announced a series of tributes in memory of Portuguese international, Diogo Jota, and his brother, Andre Silva, during their return to action on Sunday at Preston — the club’s first fixture since the tragic deaths of the siblings in a car accident.
Jota and Silva were both killed on July 3 in a crash in northern Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.
The devastating incident came just days after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22.
Due to the tragedy, Liverpool delayed the start of their pre-season training until Tuesday. However, the friendly match against English Championship side Preston will proceed as planned.
In honour of Jota and Silva, a rendition of Liverpool’s iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” will be played before the 1400 GMT kick-off. A wreath will be laid by Preston in front of the away fans, and a minute’s silence will be observed.
Digital tributes will be shown on the stadium big screens and pitchside boards, while players from both sides will wear black armbands in solemn respect.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is expected to serve as a powerful emotional moment for the players and fans alike as they remember the Portuguese forward’s contributions to the team and mourn his untimely passing.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, along with several first-team players led by captain Virgil van Dijk, attended Jota’s funeral last Saturday.
AFP