By Beth Lindop
The Liverpool player is set to report for preseason training on Tuesday after the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, lost their lives in a car accident in northwestern Spain last week. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and several first-team players attended the brothers’ funeral on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal.
Though some players were initially scheduled for preseason tests last Friday, those plans have been delayed due to Jota’s passing.
The team is now expected to gather at the AXA Training Center to begin preparations for their upcoming season on Tuesday.
The Premier League champions are slated to play a preseason friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, though it remains uncertain if the match will proceed as planned.
In recent days, thousands have paid their respects with messages and flowers placed outside Anfield in honor of Jota and his brother.
Liverpool called the brother’s death an “unimaginable” tragedy. Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his feelings of utter devastation and disbelief.
Fan Take: The loss of Diogo Jota resonates deeply within the soccer community, highlighting the often-overlooked personal struggles athletes face off the field. This tragedy not only brings the team closer as they honor his memory, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life amidst the competitive nature of sports.
