The Liverpool fans’ full-time tribute to Diogo Jota after a pre-season win over Preston North End left commentators in tears and proved more than Andy Robertson could bear. The away end at Deepdale belted out Jota’s song in unison as players and staff lined up to applaud them on Sunday.
Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool, died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva earlier this month, leaving behind his wife, Rute, who he had married less than two weeks prior, and three kids. This weekend’s trip to Preston was the first time Reds players were back in action since the tragic accident.
There were tributes to Jota throughout the game as Liverpool fans paraded commemorative banners, and Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo recreated the Portuguese’s trademark shark celebration after scoring. Arne Slot’s side won 3-1, with Conor Bradley also getting on the scoresheet.
Perhaps the most emotional scenes of all were saved until after the full-time whistle. Coaching staff and players, including those who did not feature in the friendly, stood and clapped the away end for at least five minutes as Jota’s song was belted out.
It was all too much for LFC TV commentators Gary Gillespie and John Bradley, who were audibly emotional as they talked viewers through the tribute. And Robertson, who was a close friend of Jota’s and published a tear-jerking social media post after his death, found it so tough that he had to walk away from his team-mates and have a moment to himself.
A hearty rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone followed when the players dispersed and made their way back to the dressing room.
Fans were full of praise for how Gillespie and Bradley captured the moving moments. On X, @Clubberchops wrote: “Turned over to LFC TV for coverage and seeing Bradders and Gary Gillespie being so emotional got me in bits again.”
And @LiverpoolLatam posted: “The commentators on LFC TV in tears watching the fans and players singing to Diogo after the match. It hurts, and a lot [heartbreak emoji].”
Part of Robertson’s tribute to his late friend read: “He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.”