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Sport | Football

Liverpool manager pays emotional tribute to Jota as Reds face first game back without him

Slot has paid a moving tribute to Diogo Jota and said Liverpool ‘will always carry him with us in our hearts’

Liverpool FC

Arthur Ferridge2 minutes ago

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Arne Slot has paid a moving tribute to Diogo Jota and said Liverpool “will always carry him with us in our hearts” following his death.

In his first interview since Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain last week, Slot has described the forward as “a champion” and opened up on the club’s decision to retire his No20 shirt as a lasting tribute.

“First of all, it had a lot of impact on us but nothing compared to the loss that is felt by his parents, his wife Rute and his children and his other family,” said Slot in an emotional interview on the Liverpool FC website.

“The first feeling we all have is of sadness.

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

Liverpool retired their No20 shirt in memory of Jota, following consultation this week with his wife Rute and other family members.

The retirement of the No20 shirt applies to the club at all levels, including men’s, women’s and academy teams.

Asked if that decision was important to everyone at the club, Slot said: “Yeah, it was.

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

Liverpool return to action for the first time since the death of Jota when they play Preston in a pre-season friendly at Deepdale on Sunday.

Asked if it important for the team to get back on the pitch again now, Slot said: “Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened.

But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not.

“And I’ve said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was.