Liverpool have paid tribute to Diogo Jota with a poignant gesture.
Ahead of the opening game of the Premier League season as Liverpool faced Bournemouth it emerged that Jota still has a seat in the dressing room at Anfield.
The space is unoccupied, with Jota’s name listed above it. This is also the case at Liverpool’s training ground.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva passed away in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
Liverpool retired the No 20 shirt in memory of Jota, who died at the age of 28.
Many tributes have been paid to Jota during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Diogo Jota still has a seat with his name above it in the Liverpool dressing room at Anfield
Jota and his brother Andre Silva passed away in a car crash in Spain in July
Mohamed Salah mimicked Jota’s ‘crocodile’ celebration after scoring against Bournemouth
Salah fought back the tears on an emotionally charged night as Anfield paid its respects
On Friday, a minute’s silence preceded kick-off, with both teams wearing black armbands. There was also a special fan mosaic of Jota in the stands.
Images of Jota and Silva were displayed on the stadium screens, while the ‘Forever 20’ emblem adorned the shirts of Liverpool players.
Mohamed Salah scored late on as Liverpool won 4-2, with the winger mimicking Jota’s ‘crocodile’ celebration.
Salah broke down in tears at full time on an emotional night at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot dedicated the victory to Jota as he said: ‘I think Mo felt how special that was. He probably felt the emotions. Diogo’s wife is here, his family is here, his children are here. We also feel the emotions, the grief they still have. Those emotions probably led to Mo being emotional. I felt the same without being in tears.’
‘After the fans sung so many times for him, it’s nice he gave them something in return. That’s what he did today. Unbelievable atmosphere in the last few minutes.
Liverpool opened the scoring against Bournemouth through Hugo Ekitike.
Cody Gakpo then added another goal for Liverpool just after half time but Bournemouth pulled level in the second half as Antoine Semenyo scored a brace.
Liverpool still managed to prevail with Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah getting on the scoresheet.
