Liverpool stars paid their respects to Diogo Jota in emotional tributes before the Reds' first match since the forward's tragic death.

Jota was killed in a car crash in northern Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3, with a shocked football world paying tribute to the former Wolves star in the days since.

A mass of bouquets, scarves and t-shirts have been left outside Anfield in tribute to Jota, while respects have also been paid outside his former home ground Molineux.

But it was at Preston North End's Deepdale where the tributes were keenly felt on Sunday, as Reds fans brought Jota flags, t-shirts and scarves and repeatedly sang Jota's song.

Liverpool to pay tribute to Diogo Jota at first match since death against Preston	Arne Slot gives first interview since Diogo Jota's tragic death - as Liverpool boss reveals message to the squad ahead of emotional return to the pitch	Liverpool confirm plan to honour Diogo Jota at first match since star's tragic death

Preston had produced a special free matchday programme for the match in honour of both Jota and Andre, and performances of Preston anthem 'Can't Help Falling In Love' and Liverpool's 'You'll Never Walk Alone' were sang before the game.

Liverpool, led by captain Mohamed Salah, then emerged for an impeccably observed minute's silence before the match, with both sets of players sporting black armbands.

Earlier Reds boss Arne Slot had outlined how the club will always carry Jota in their thoughts as they return to action, something he believes the Portuguese would have wanted them to do(

"Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened," said Slot "But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not.

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Many Reds fans brought banners in honour of Jota.

Liverpool fans paid tributes to Jota at the match.

If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train