Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Diogo Jota as his former teams prepare to face off at Anfield on Saturday. The match carries a poignant significance, coming just months after Jota tragically passed away in a car crash alongside his brother, André Silva, in Spain on July 3.
During his tenure at Wolves, Jota enjoyed a remarkable career that eventually led him to Liverpool in 2020, where he became an integral part of the squad. In a touching note published in the matchday program, Slot reflected on the past year, acknowledging the deep emotional journey it has been, especially for Jota’s family during this holiday season.
“This will be their first Christmas without him,” Slot wrote, highlighting the profound sense of loss felt by those close to Jota. He conveyed his hope that the enduring love and admiration for Jota would provide some comfort to his family amid their grief.
The emotional weight of the upcoming match is heightened by the fact that this will be the first time Liverpool and Wolves meet since the untimely passing of Jota, a player who deeply touched the hearts of those within both clubs. Slot emphasized that the impact of Jota’s loss was also felt strongly by the Wolves community, underscoring the tremendous respect and affection shared for the player who left an indelible mark on the Premier League.
To honor Jota’s memory, it has been reported that his two sons will join the mascots for the match, a gesture that underscores the ongoing legacy of their father. As both teams prepare to take the field, they will do so with Jota in their thoughts, reflecting on what he meant to the sport and the profound connections formed within the football community.