Liverpool manager Arne Slot has broken his silence following the heartbreaking death of Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car crash in Portugal alongside his brother, André. The Reds have since retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt in an unprecedented gesture of respect and mourning.
Jota, just 28 years old, was a beloved figure at Anfield — admired not just for his tenacity and goals, but his humility and presence off the pitch.
“We Will Carry Him in Our Hearts” – Slot’s First Words
“We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go,” said Slot. “To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done.” — Arne Slot
The Dutch boss struggled to find the right words as he addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Preston.
A Team Still Grieving
Slot acknowledged that returning to the pitch was far from easy for the players and staff still grieving the loss of their teammate.
“Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened,” Slot told the press. “Can we train again? Can we laugh again?”
He encouraged the squad to honour Jota by emulating his character:
“Jota was always himself — honest, calm, and full of spirit. We must try to do the same.”
Shirt Retirement and Funeral Tribute
Liverpool made the emotional decision to retire the No. 20 shirt — a rare honour in football — to permanently mark Jota’s legacy at the club.
Earlier this week, players including Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, where they laid wreaths shaped like football shirts bearing his number.
Why Jota Meant So Much to Liverpool
Jota had made 93 appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals in all competitions. But his impact extended far beyond the pitch — he was a symbol of unity and determination in the Liverpool dressing room.
Diogo Jota stats for Liverpool
| Stat (Liverpool Career) | Diogo Jota |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 182 |
| Goals | 65 |
| Assists | 22 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | ≈7.92 (PL 24/25), ≈6.21 (PL total 24/25) |
| Chances Created | 11 key passes (24/25 season) |
Analyst Verdict
Retiring a shirt is almost unheard of in English football, but for Liverpool, this was personal. Slot’s words show how deeply the tragedy has hit the squad. For a manager just months into his job, Slot’s empathy and leadership will be vital.
What’s Next?
Liverpool return to action this weekend, but the real challenge lies in emotional recovery. With Anfield preparing tributes, fans will hope the season becomes a celebration of Jota’s life — not just a pursuit of silverware.
What’s your most powerful memory of Diogo Jota in a Liverpool shirt?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
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By JamesLove 13 Jul 2025 11:46
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