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Arne Slot said that he is "extremely proud" of Liverpool's players for their handling of Diogo Jota's tragic death.
Liverpool's No.20 passed away alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain on July 3, as the pair journeyed back to the UK ahead of the start of pre-season training, which was scheduled to begin on July 7.
Jota would ordinarily have flown back to Liverpool following his summer break, but a lung operation that he underwent in the weeks prior to his death meant that medics had advised him against air travel.
News of Jota's passing sent the soccer world into mourning, as tributes flooded in from every corner of the globe, while Liverpool took the decision to retire his squad number in honor of the 28-year-old.
On Monday, Liverpool will play at Anfield for the first time since Jota's passing as the Reds take on Spanish side Athletic Club in back-to-back friendlies, and Slot acknowledged in his program notes that it could be an emotional evening.
"I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening," Slot said as he sent a message to Liverpool's fans.
“It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.
“We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.
“Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.
“At Anfield, at the AXA Training Centre, at Preston North End and on our recent tour of Hong Kong and Japan, we really felt what Diogo meant to everyone, and how together our fans are.
“I want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here, too. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable.
"But the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all."
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