Diogo Jota’s two sons will join the matchday mascots for the Premier League meeting between the Portuguese star’s two former clubs on Saturday.
Dinis and Duarte, two of the three children of Jota and Rute Cardoso, will take to the Anfield pitch ahead of kick-off in what is set to be an emotional occasion.
It is the first time the two sides have played each other since the 28-year-old Portugal international died in a car crash in north-western Spain in July, alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25.
He was travelling back to Liverpool to begin pre-season training, and the tragedy sparked an outpouring of affection from across the worldwide football community.
In his pre-match programme notes ahead of the champions’ final home fixture of the year, Arne Slot said he hoped the affection shown for Diogo Jota could help bring his family some solace.
‘Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions but it is normal at this time of year to look back to everything that has happened,’ said the Liverpool boss.
Jota is pictured at Anfield with the Premier League trophy alongside his partner, Rute Cardoso, and their three children after helping Liverpool secure their 20th league title last season
The Portugal international spent three seasons at Wolves before joining the Reds in 2020
‘Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him.
‘It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort – if that is even possible – but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.’
Rob Edwards and Wolves’ players visited the former Liverpool striker’s mural outside Anfield on Boxing Day to pay tribute.
Jota joined the Black County club on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2017 before making the switch permanent the following year after helping them to promotion.
After impressing during a further two seasons in the West Midlands, where he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances, Jurgen Klopp recruited Jota in 2020 – and he went on to win his first Premier League title at Liverpool in Slot’s first season earlier this year. He also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds in 2022.
It was revealed earlier this season that Liverpool’s owners, FSG, are committed to looking after Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow, and their three children, and will honour the entirety of his contract, which is reported to be worth in the region of £140,000 per week. Jota had two years remaining on his deal.
Liverpool also retired Jota’s No.20 shirt across all teams in the summer, while supporters have continued to honour their former hero by singing his song in the 20th minute at every home game this season.
Jota and Cardoso were with their three young children and parents on the pitch at Anfield when Liverpol celebrated their 20th league title success at the end of last season.
The family had attended Liverpool’s opening match against Bournemouth and Wolves’ first game of the season against Manchester City, where supporters showed their affection for the humble striker.
Wolves will host the return fixture on March 4.
