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Sport | Football

Players and supporters come together as Arne Slot challenges his squad to channel their memories of their team-mate

Unity on display: Liverpool players before kick-off as they returned to action for the first time since the death of Jota

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Arthur Ferridge1 minute ago

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A friendly may never have meant so much.

As Liverpool visited Preston for the first pre-season game of their summer, heads were elsewhere.

This was the start of a Premier League title defence with over £200million of new signings expected to debut, but that all felt totally insignificant on a day when tributes were paid to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

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Emotions are still raw but, with a club in mourning, Liverpool showed their solidarity as players and supporters remembered Jota as the team returned to action.

This day meant a lot to Liverpool, that much was made clear by the walk to Deepdale.

Some Preston supporters even made a point of wearing red.

Liverpool fans packed the Bill Shankly stand to the rafters long before kick-off.

Claudia Rose Maguire led the stadium in signing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and supporters sang tirelessly throughout the match.

After goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo wrapped up a 3-1 win, the full Liverpool camp faced the Bill Shankly stand and joined the away fans in song.

Arne Slot has challenged his squad to channel their memories of their team-mate.

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

But players, supporters and coaches are united as they attempt to come to terms with his death.

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