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Virgil van Dijk applauds the fans following the pre-season friendly football match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale stadium in Preston, north-west England on July 13, 2025

Virgil van Dijk has thanked both Liverpool supporters and Preston North End as the Reds paid tribute to Diogo Jota at Deepdale on Sunday.

The match marked the first time Arne Slot’s men had taken to the field since the death of the Portuguese and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash on July 3.

Both clubs paid their respects to the Portuguese brothers with a number of tributes ahead of kick-off, while Liverpool supporters sung Jota’s name throughout.

They would then lead a lengthy rendition of the Portuguese’s popular chant following the final whistle, as the Reds squad clapped along in front of them.

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Van Dijk was left out of the matchday squad against the Championship outfit but did travel with his team-mates to Deepdale, standing alongside them in front of supporters at the end of the match.

And sharing a video of the players clapping along with the Liverpool fanbase on his Instagram story, he reflected on an emotional day at Deepdale.

“An emotional day but good work from the boys,” he wrote.

“Thanks for all your love and support, Reds.

“Big thanks to @pneofficial and good luck for the rest of the season!

“Forever 20!!!”

He then finished his message with a heart emoji.

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Liverpool announced their decision to retire Jota’s number 20 shirt on Friday evening at 20.20.

After consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family - who paid a visit to Anfield on Friday (July 11) to visit the memorial site set up in honour of both brothers - the club took the decision to permanently retire the shirt in honour of the Portuguese.

Jota became the first Liverpool player to ever receive such an honour, with the retirement of the number 20 shirt applying to the club at all levels, including the men’s first team, women’s team and the Reds’ various Academy sides.