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Liverpool has paid out the remainder of Diogo Jota's contract to his family, Arne Slot has confirmed.
The forward left behind his wife and three children following his tragic death in the summer. A car crash in Spain claimed the lives of both Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The Liverpool star was returning for preseason, shortly after getting married to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.
The soccer world has come together in response to the terrible loss, with vast numbers of tributes pouring in. And after Chelsea donated a portion of its Club World Cup winnings to Jota's family, Slot has confirmed that Liverpool also made a significant financial gesture.
Jota had two years left to run on his Anfield contract. Following the tragedy, Liverpool made the decision to honor the remaining commitment in full, paying the outstanding sum to the striker's immediate family.
"Owners are mainly criticized, like managers," Slot told TNT Sports. "But the way they’ve handled this situation, by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract [is excellent].
"Maybe people think it’s normal. But it is not in football."
Everyone would certainly agree that it is the right thing to do. But as Slot says, that does not mean it is necessarily the norm, and Liverpool showed its class by doing so.
It's another mark in favor of FSG. Its earlier years at the club were marred by various incidents where it was out of touch with fans, notably over ticket prices, but the American ownership has taken concrete steps to fall into step with the supporter base over the issues that really matter.
It has conducted itself flawlessly in light of Jota's death. A permanent tribute to the two brothers is planned, one that will incorporate the many personal tokens left at Anfield in the immediate aftermath of the news.
The soccer world as a whole has also continued to serve as a support network to Jota's family. His wife was in attendance at the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony, where a montage celebrating his life was shown.
Meanwhile, the Portugal national team has led tributes of its own. Ruben Neves, with whom Jota was especially close, has pledged to look after the Liverpool star's family.
There is nothing that can truly be said to his loved ones at a time like this. It is a hugely testing period not only for Jota's wife and children but also for his parents, who of course lost both of their sons in one cruel moment.
But it is heartening to see that in an increasingly cynical footballing world, there is still humanity and hope. Multiple clubs have now shown their own signs of respect when playing Liverpool, with Burnley including Jota in its matchday program.
It should not take such a tragedy to bring out the best in the sport. But Liverpool has done the right thing by honoring Jota's contract, and it should make fans proud of their club.
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