Liverpool boss Arne Slot pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after his passing

Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League triumph in his first season with the club.

The football world is still mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. It remains a difficult period for both their families and the respective football teams they played for. This untimely loss shocked everyone who is in love with the beautiful game.

Fans from all over the world have paid tribute to Diogo and Andre. But Anfield has become a major site of remembrance as many fans, teammates and even the general public have laid tributes outside of the stadium.

Diogo Jota joined forces with Liverpool after his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He competed in a total of 182 matches for the Reds and scored 65 goals in the process. Jota won multiple trophies with the club, including the recent English Premier League 2024-25 title.

Liverpool FC have now retired the number 20 jersey across all levels to honour Diogo. The Reds returned back on the field as they took on Preston North End for a club friendly fixture.

Arne Slot’s tribute to Diogo Jota

While paying tribute, Arne Slot shared his special memories of Diogo and also talked about what is next for Liverpool in the coming days.

Arne Slot was spotted at Anfield alongside his wife, where they paid respects to the Jota brothers. Talking about the feeling and experience, Slot said, “No. It’s almost impossible to put anything into words in this moment of time. Both of us felt it was the right thing to do to go there and pay our respects, not only me but definitely also my wife.”

Slot also talked about Liverpool’s friendly encounter against Preston North End. As per him, “Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not. What I’ve said to the players, I can say it here as well.”

Arne Slot further said, “What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate for what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision? And I’ve said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was.”

The Dutch manager also mentioned that if things were difficult for the team, he always looked up to Jota. The player delivered for the club so many times in the past whenever needed.

Arne Slot has just managed Liverpool for a season as of now and has already helped them win a major trophy, which is the Premier League title.

Talking about his special memory of Diogo, Slot said, “I’ve only worked with him for a season and in that season he has been so important for me, for the club, for the fans, for his teammates in difficult moments.”

“So, I can come up with the Everton goal, I can come up with some other goals – Fulham when we were down to 10. Even the last game we played against Crystal Palace when we were down to 10 and 1-0 down, he came in and took the ball in our own half, led to us scoring the 1-1. That is the football player that is in my mind.”

Jota will indeed be remembered as a special player for both his club and country.

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