‘BARELY A DRY EYE ‘

AN emotional tribute was paid to the late Diogo Jota ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season friendly with Preston North End on Sunday afternoon.

Jota died in a car crash in Spain ten days ago aged just 28 along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.

The football world has collectively mourned the loss of the winger, who was a beloved figure at Anfield.

The Merseysiders have paid tribute to their late hero, whose death they described as an “unimaginable loss”, outside Anfield over the last ten days.

And they did so once again before their friendly with Championship outfit Preston kicked off at Deepdale.

A touching rendition of the Kop club’s anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, from Claudia Rose Maguire kicked off the tributes to the late Jota and his brother.

It came after the singer belted out Preston’s own Anthem, Elvis’ ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.

Preston skipper Ben Whiteman paid tribute to Jota on behalf of the club, laying a wreath in front of the 6,000 travelling Liverpool fans to rapturous applause as Maguire sang YNWA.

After the emotional tribute, ITV commentator Joe Speight said: “That was impeccable and there was barely a dry eye in Deepdale.”

A minute’s silence was then held for the players – who wore black armbands – and fans to reflect on the Portuguese’s passing.

It was impeccably observed and, upon its completion, greeted by a huge round of applause. The travelling Liverpool fans sang about the late Jota from the very first minute.

And their vocal tributes to their former icon, who leaves behind his wife Rute and their three children, reached a crescendo in the 20th minute.Jota, of course, was Liverpool’s No.20 and the club have touchingly retired the shirt across all levels in honour of their late fan favourite.

FSG CEO Michael Edwards said: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters — and we felt exactly the same way.

“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.

“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual.

“Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.

“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal- and therefore never to be forgotten.

“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore -with honour, distinction and affection-the number 20.

“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”

Kop chief Arne Slot said the memory of the universally loved Jota will live on.

The Dutchman said: “We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.

“Maybe especially in difficult moments but in any moment we are here.

“We will carry him with us in our thoughts and in our hearts.

“To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done.”

Slot added: “What I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything.

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

“A champion for his country because he won the Nations League, [with] a country that he cared about so much.

“And of course, a champion for us by winning the Premier League.”

Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners at Deepdale thanks to goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Nunez paid tribute to his late team-mate by imitating his baby shark celebrations.

Slot’s troops went over to the travelling Kopites after the final whistle to thank them for their support during this difficult time.

And defender Kostas Tsimikas was among those who joined the travelling Reds by singing the fans’ much-loved song about Jota. —Sun.