Arne Slot has pledged Liverpool will always carry the memory of Diogo Jota.

The Premier League champions embark on their first on-field involvement since the deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva earlier this month.

A series of tributes are set to be paid to the Portugal international before Sunday’s pre-season friendly with Preston following his untimely passing.

Slot and the Reds’ entire squad paid their respects to Jota outside Anfield on Friday alongside his family, who witnessed the outpouring of love for him.

Arne Slot makes Diogo Jota Liverpool promise ahead of first pre-season match vs Preston North End	Arne Slot makes emotional vow about Liverpool return following Diogo Jota death	Adam Lallana makes Liverpool return to pay personal Diogo Jota tribute

In addition to permanently retiring the number 20 shirt, the Liverpool head coach insists that the popular forward will remain a constant presence.

“We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.

Maybe especially in difficult moments,” said Slot.

“But in any moment we are here, we will carry him with us in our thoughts and in our hearts.

To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done.

“To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done.

“I think what I take comfort in [is that] in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything.

“A champion for his family, which is the main and most important thing, because he got married.

“A champion for his country because he won the Nations League, [with] a country that he cared about so much, because he also wore the flag when we had celebrations.

“And of course a champion for us by winning the Premier League.”