5 days ago
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AS Roma has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva ahead of its pre-season game against Everton this afternoon.
It will be the Blues' inaugural first-team match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in front of fans. The friendly will be followed by a Legends game featuring former players from both clubs, creating a double-header on the Mersey waterfront.
Ahead of the game Roma manager Claudio Ranieri and midfielder Paulo Dybala visited Anfield to lay flowers at the temporary memorial outside of the Main Stand. The pair looked somber as they laid the flowers in what was an emotional moment in the morning sunshine.
Like many clubs around the world, the Serie A side following the tragic events of last month when Jota and Silva passed away in a car crash in northern Spain.
On X, the club said: "AS Roma joins in mourning the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Our deepest condolences go out to their family, loved ones and everyone affected by this loss”.
Thousands of tributes—ranging from flowers and scarves to jerseys—have been left outside Anfield. Over days and weeks, the memorial grew, drawing visits from Liverpool players past and present, as well as the brothers’ family.
Since then the club has slowly started to store away tributes to be recycled into a permanent memorial.
Floral tributes will be composted and used in flower beds across all club sites, while the remaining elements are to be recycled. A temporary reflection area remains in place at the stadium for those who wish to pay their respects.
In consultation with his family, Liverpool has also retired the number 20 shirt across all levels of the club in honor and memory of the 28-year-old.
Liverpool paid tribute to the siblings before matches against Preston North End, AC Milan, and Yokohama. on the Reds return to Anfield, club legend Phil Thompson and Bilbao president Jon Uriarte laid a wreath on the pitch in front of the Kop End ahead of Monday’s first match.
A billboard around the pitch read, "Rest in peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, You'll Never Walk Alone," as fans chanted Jota’s name both when Thompson and Uriarte entered the field and at kickoff.
At the 20th minute, players and fans will pause to applaud Jota, honoring his memory. Liverpool’s matchday program cover featured photos of Jota and included an obituary titled "Forever our no.20."
Sunday afternoon’s Community Shield at Wembley against Crystal Palace will mark Liverpool’s first competitive game since the brother's passed away.
For the Premier League season opener against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, a special fan mosaic and a minute of silence are planned.
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