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Phil Thompson led an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson led an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota as the Reds returned to Anfield for the first time since his death.
Arne Slot’s side played their first game at Anfield since Jota’s passing on Monday evening.
They took on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in a double-header - a game that represented Liverpool’s final pre-season game ahead of the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
The game also represented an opportunity for Anfield to pay tribute to Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Liverpool icon Thompson took to the pitch alongside Bilbao president Jon Uriarte to lay a wreath.
The pair laid the wreaths in front of the goal at the Kop end of Anfield, with Kenny Dalglish doing similar in Hong Kong, while Ian Rush also did the same in Yokohama.
During Thompson’s latest tribute, fans chanted and sang Jota’s song.
READ MORE:Virgil van Dijk lifts lid on 'surreal' impact Diogo Jota's death has had on Liverpool squadREAD MORE:Cody Gakpo reveals Liverpool players' gesture to Diogo Jota family after his tragic death
The game was also stopped in the 20th minute for a round of applause, while Jota’s song was a regular soundtrack across the stadium.
The recent tributes come after Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had written a touching message to Jota in Liverpool’s programme ahead of taking on Bilbao.
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"It has, of course, been a very challenging time," the defender wrote.
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