Diogo Jota's wife joins Liverpool players to pay emotional tribute to tragic star
Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, paid a visit to the sea of floral tributes that have been laid outside Anfield in his memory on Friday. The 28 year old Liverpool star and his brother Andre Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain last week. Liverpool's squad, led by head coach Arne Slot, also took time to pay their respects, with each player laying a single rose in a touching act of remembrance. Key players including Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo, along with manager Arne Slot, joined fans in paying tribute outside Anfield, where mourning for the loss of the beloved player continues. On Friday, it was announced that Jota's number 20 shirt will be permanently retired by the Premier League champions in an unprecedented gesture. The number will forever belong to the Portuguese forward, marking the first time in the club's history such a tribute has been made. Jota and his brother were killed in a car crash last week as they were returning to Merseyside for pre-season training, reports the Mirror.
Diogo Jota.
Liverpool players view tributes to Diogo Jota at Anfield
This significant gesture extends to all levels of the club - from the men's senior team to the women's, U21s and academy teams. The decision was made following consultation with Diogo's wife, Rute, and his family. The club believes this extraordinary and heartfelt move is not only a fitting tribute to his contributions as a player but also recognises the impact he had on everyone at the club, including his teammates, staff and supporters. Liverpool's fixture against Preston North End - which will be broadcast on ITV 1 - will proceed as scheduled on Sunday, the club confirmed on Friday, marking the first match since Jota's passing. The Reds' statement revealed: "Ahead of the 3pm BST kick-off, there will be a rendition of LFC anthem You'll Never Walk Alone and the home club will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters. "A minute's silence will be observed in Diogo and Andre's memory and digital tributes will be displayed on the screen and across pitchside LEDs. Both sets of players will wear black armbands. Preston have also created a commemorative edition of the matchday programme that features written tributes to Diogo and Andre." The Liverpool player and his younger sibling were travelling home from Portugal, following Jota's recent wedding to his childhood love just days earlier. The Reds striker was prevented from flying due to minor surgical treatment for a lung problem. Following the devastating accident, both brothers were interred during a ceremony in Gondomar, Portugal on Saturday morning. Countless floral tributes have subsequently been placed at both Anfield and Molineux, Wolverhampton Wanderers' ground where he played for three seasons from 2017 to 2020. Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan accompanied senior club officials in visiting the memorial area, honouring Jota as an "incredible footballer and really good person". Speaking to LFC TV, Hogan said: "First, I would just say that obviously we're here today – and so many people have been here before – to just offer condolences and thoughts and prayers for Diogo and for Andre, and most importantly for their family.
Tributes from Wolves fans at Molineux
"It has only been a couple of days but, as we all know, it has been just absolutely devastating. We're a club in mourning. We have all been completely shocked by the situation and, again, can only think of what this has meant to their family. "What we see behind us and the overwhelming outpouring of support and emotion and grief and love – having a chance to walk down the row here and read the cards and read the messages, our anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, it does mean something. "In this case, I think everybody just feels so passionately about making sure that we remember the two boys but also that we support their family, and we're going to work through this together." Heartfelt tributes have also poured in from former teammates of Jota. Andy Robertson shared on social media: "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre. "For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together... however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. "I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. "Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. "We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had. "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. "I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo." Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here
