Arne Slot praised the courageous spirit of his players as they dealt with the immense loss of Diogo Jota, just before the Premier League season kicks off.

Arne Slot in Tears: “Liverpool Will Always Keep Diogo Jota in Our Hearts”

This weekend, Liverpool will face Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield. However, throughout the entire pre-season, the atmosphere at Anfield has been overshadowed by grief following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva in a car accident in July. To honor the late Portuguese star, Liverpool has officially retired his number 20 shirt and will erect a memorial at their home stadium. The entire team also attended Jota’s funeral to pay their respects.

In an emotional statement on the FA’s official website, manager Arne Slot shared:

“This has been a tough summer for everyone involved with the club. The loss of Diogo Jota has left a deep shock that we are still trying to process. We can’t begin to imagine the pain that his family, wife, children, and friends are going through, and the club will always be here to support them moving forward.”

“This loss has deeply affected all of us, but what’s truly touching is the love and solidarity coming from the entire football world, especially from the Liverpool community.”

“I also want to highlight the strength and bravery of the players. They have faced an incredibly harsh situation, but the way they have stood together, the way they have behaved both on and off the pitch, is a real source of pride for the club. We couldn’t ask for more, and I’m immensely proud of them.”

“Diogo will always be in our hearts and thoughts, no matter where we go.”

Liverpool will meet Crystal Palace on Sunday before embarking on their journey to defend the Premier League title, with their opening match against Bournemouth next Friday.