Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield as his two sons, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots for the Premier League clash against Wolves. The forward's wife, Rute Cardoso, watched from the stands as the couple's children accompanied Reds captain Virgil van Dijk and Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa onto the pitch.
The crowd delivered a moving rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off, with Van Dijk taking the boys over to the Kop for a kickabout as supporters applauded. Wolves fans had earlier gathered at the memorial to Jota outside the stadium, leaving tributes.
On Boxing Day, the entire Wolves squad travelled to Anfield to pay their respects at Jota's memorial. Executive chairman Nathan Shi, manager Rob Edwards and goalkeeper Jose Sa laid floral tributes. Liverpool supporters continue to honour Jota by chanting his name during the 20th minute of every fixture, and the club has permanently retired his squad number.
In his matchday programme column, Liverpool boss Arne Slot reflected on the challenging year, writing: 'It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort... but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.' Van Dijk added: 'The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July was something none of us could ever have prepared for... They will never, ever be forgotten.'
