Jota Honoured by Reds

Boss Slot calls him 'champion', fans sing his song as team return in 3-1 win over Preston

- 

LIVERPOOL - Diogo Jota was hailed as "a champion" on July 13 by Liverpool manager Arne Slot as the Reds returned to the field for the first time since the Portuguese player's death, defeating Preston North End 3-1 in a pre-season friendly.

Father of three Jota died alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3, 11 days after marrying his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, after their car went off the road and burst into flames in Spain.

A rendition of Liverpool's anthem You'll Never Walk Alone was played before kick-off at Deepdale and Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away supporters. A minute's silence was then observed and both teams wore black armbands.

Jota was part of the Liverpool side who won the English Premier League last season and, in his final match, he helped Portugal beat Spain to win the Nations League in June.

"I think what I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything," Slot said ahead of the match.