Virgil van Dijk confirms Liverpool players' opinion on hearing Diogo Jota chant at every game

Virgil van Dijk has been speaking ahead of Liverpool taking on Wolves in the Premier League, with two of Diogo Jota's former clubs set to face off at Anfield this weekend

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says it is a "sign of respect" to Diogo Jota that the Reds' number 20 is remembered during matches, with no reason for fans to stop the tradition.

Since Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically died in the summer, Liverpool fans have sung his song during the 20th minutes of fixtures. This weekend will be the first fixture between the Reds and Wolves since Jota, a former player for both, was killed in a car crash in northern Spain.

"Obviously, the fans sing Diogo’s song on 20 minutes during games," Van Dijk told The Times. "We’ve discussed that and we’re at a stage now where it doesn’t affect us.

"It’s obviously a sign of respect from our fans. So it’s up to the fans what will happen, but just to let anyone know that it doesn’t affect us.

"I remember the friendly game against Preston where it was really, really tough, but that was only two weeks after the accident. The minute’s silence in the home game against Bournemouth was very, very difficult.

"But I think we’re at the stage now where we want to use it as strength. Diogo would want us to succeed; he would want us to do well, and that’s the main thing.

"I think the fans sing only out of the respect they have for Diogo because he deserves it."

With Liverpool struggling for form in the early parts of the season, there has been some discussion that the players might be negatively impacted when they are reminded of Jota's loss. But Van Dijk has put an end to those suggestions with his comments.

"It is a fact that you will be reminded about what happened each and every day because he’s part of us, he’s part of the club, he’s part of our brotherhood," Van Dijk continued.

"Personally, my role was to observe a lot, see how everyone copes and deals with it. To hear things, speak to players, speak to certain staff members.

"We had a meeting with the team and said if anyone wants to speak up about their emotions, how they feel, we are here and will always be here.

"There are moments when it is tough because, like I said, you will remember Diogo whether you are prepared or not, whether you can cope with it at that time or not. It’s about how you then react, and the boys have been outstanding.

"The senior boys have discussed it and we want to obviously honor his legacy, not only for the next year, two years, three years. He needs to be remembered for ever and that’s something we’re going to discuss with the club, how we’re going to be able to do that.

"We have his locker here at the training ground; we have his locker at the stadium. The memorial at the stadium is coming.

"But I think we can do a lot more in terms of remembering him, and that’s something me and the senior boys will be looking after. And I feel that responsibility in order to make that happen, too."

Liverpool retired Jota's No. 20 jersey in the summer. His family will be in attendance on Saturday as the Reds take on Wolves.