Reds pay emotional tribute to Jota at Preston

DIOGO Jota was hailed as “a champion” on Sunday by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, as the Reds returned to action for the first time since the Portuguese forward’s tragic death, securing a 3-1 win over Preston in a preseason friendly.

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Jota, aged just 28, died alongside his brother André Silva earlier this month after their car veered off the road and burst into flames in northern Spain. The father of three had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days earlier.

Liverpool’s emotional return to the pitch began with a rendition of “You'll Never Walk Alone” at Deepdale, followed by a minute's silence. Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away end, and both teams wore black armbands in tribute.

“I think what I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything,” said Slot in a pre-match interview.

“A champion for his family, which is the most important thing, because he got married.