Gakpo outlines spirit within Liverpool camp in what has been a difficult summer for all at the club

LIKE the rest of his Liverpool teammates, Cody Gakpo was enjoying an end-of-season holiday when he learned of Diogo Jota’s death.

- By PAUL GORST

‘The Reds star was in the south of France with his partner Noa when the horrendous news filtered through.

Jota was UK-bound in the early hours of Thursday July 3, travelling to a ferry terminal in Zamora, Spain, when he was involved in a fatal car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva.

‘The hours and days that followed were bewildering and painful. Plans were hurriedly put in place for the majority of the squad to return from their vacations and fly to Portugal, as a club unified in grief and shock.

By the Saturday morning Jota and his younger sibling were laid to rest.

Later today Liverpool host two friendlies with Spanish side Athletic in the first fixtures at Anfield since Jota’s passing and it promises to be an emotional day.

“It’s been very difficult, for obvious reasons,’ Gakpo says. “A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened and we came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible.

“We tried to be there as much as we could for the family. We still try to do that and everyone is still busy behind the scenes to reach out and help as much as possible.

“The family of Diogo, hopefully, felt the love we have for them and for Diogo and his brother. But you could see how we try to act as a club and a team, the supporters as well, the whole city.”

Those with knowledge of the last month at Anfield say Netherlands international Gakpo has been a tower of strength, tapping into his deep faith and providing comfort and support for those who have needed it.

Liverpool are continuing to have dialogue over how best to honour Jota. A sculpture has been commissioned, while the players themselves will display their own message through a specially-made ‘Forever 20’ emblem on the brand new Adidas kit, which was launched on Friday.