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Liverpool stars fight back tears as they soak in tributes to Diogo Jota after emotional first game back
Andy Robertson was one of several Liverpool stars overcome with emotion following their pre-season friendly against Preston North End. The match was the first played by the Reds since the tragic death of Diogo Jota, who was killed alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash on July 3. Robertson wiped away tears as Liverpool supporters sung Jota’s chantGetty GettyNunez was another who was visibly emotional during the post-match tribute[/caption] Supporters held up scarves and shirts bearing the 28-year-old’s name at DeepdaleGetty Jota’s shock passing sent shockwaves through the football community and the city of Liverpool, with an abundance of floral tributes laid by fans and Liverpool players outside Anfield. The 28-year-old was also honoured before and during the clash against Preston, which Liverpool won 3-1. But it was the post-match scenes that were especially emotional for the visitors. Liverpool’s players stood in front of the packed-out away end at Deepdale and applauded the fans, who sung Jota’s chant. Robertson, who skippered Liverpool against Preston, was captured wiping away tears from his eyes. The Scot had played 130 matches alongside Jota for the Reds since the latter’s arrival in September 2020. In their time together at Anfield, Robertson and Jota won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. Kostas Tsimikas was another who was emotional as he joined in with singing Jota’s chant. Darwin Nunez, who got on the scoresheet, fought back tears and was consoled by club captain Virgil van Dijk. Nunez earlier paid tribute to Jota following his goal as he recreated his former teammate’s trademark celebration before pointing to the sky. GettyThe Uruguayan became the latest star to honour Jota by replicating his celebration[/caption] The Uruguayan dropped to the floor and sat cross-legged whilst pretending to use a video game controller with his hands. Jota was known as a video game enthusiast, most notably on EA Sports’ ‘FIFA’ series of games. Although the focus was on the reaction of Liverpool’s fans, players and staff members, it was an emotional day for hosts Preston. “We knew the eyes of the football world were on us and we wanted to represent ourselves and the wider football world in the correct way and pay our respects in the correct way,” Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom said. “I hope we were able to do that and that came across to everyone affected here.” The 47-year-old added: “Listen, I’m proud of everyone. Preston and Liverpool observed a minute’s silence in honour of JotaAFP via Getty Lilywhites skipper Ben Whiteman presented a floral tribute to Liverpool before kick-offOffside via Getty “I thanked Arne for coming to the game. I hope that this has begun their healing process, if you like. “I hope they feel better for having that game and it’s a step closer to where they need to get themselves to. “I felt we were representing more than ourselves today.” Liverpool will continue their pre-season preparations with a match against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26.
Andy Robertson was one of several Liverpool stars overcome with emotion following their pre-season friendly against Preston North End.
The match was the first played by the Reds since the tragic death of Diogo Jota, who was killed alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash on July 3.
Jota’s shock passing sent shockwaves through the football community and the city of Liverpool, with an abundance of floral tributes laid by fans and Liverpool players outside Anfield.
The 28-year-old was also honoured before and during the clash against Preston, which Liverpool won 3-1.
But it was the post-match scenes that were especially emotional for the visitors.
Liverpool’s players stood in front of the packed-out away end at Deepdale and applauded the fans, who sung Jota’s chant.
Robertson, who skippered Liverpool against Preston, was captured wiping away tears from his eyes.
The Scot had played 130 matches alongside Jota for the Reds since the latter’s arrival in September 2020.
In their time together at Anfield, Robertson and Jota won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
Kostas Tsimikas was another who was emotional as he joined in with singing Jota’s chant.
Darwin Nunez, who got on the scoresheet, fought back tears and was consoled by club captain Virgil van Dijk.
Nunez earlier paid tribute to Jota following his goal as he recreated his former teammate’s trademark celebration before pointing to the sky.
The Uruguayan dropped to the floor and sat cross-legged whilst pretending to use a video game controller with his hands.
Jota was known as a video game enthusiast, most notably on EA Sports’ ‘FIFA’ series of games.
Although the focus was on the reaction of Liverpool’s fans, players and staff members, it was an emotional day for hosts Preston.
“We knew the eyes of the football world were on us and we wanted to represent ourselves and the wider football world in the correct way and pay our respects in the correct way,” Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom said.
“I hope we were able to do that and that came across to everyone affected here.”
The 47-year-old added: “Listen, I’m proud of everyone.
“I thanked Arne for coming to the game. I hope that this has begun their healing process, if you like.
“I hope they feel better for having that game and it’s a step closer to where they need to get themselves to.
“I felt we were representing more than ourselves today.”
Liverpool will continue their pre-season preparations with a match against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26.
