Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up about the squad's emotional journey following the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota, stating the players now draw strength from the ongoing fan tributes.
From Grief to Strength: The Squad's Emotional Journey
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's first match against Wolverhampton Wanderers – one of Jota's former clubs – since the forward's passing on 3 July, Van Dijk provided a poignant insight. He confirmed that while initial commemorations were intensely difficult, the team has reached a new stage. "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," Van Dijk told The Times.
He recalled the profound challenges of the early days, mentioning a pre-season friendly against Preston North End just two weeks after the accident and a particularly tough minute's silence before the Bournemouth home game. "But I think we're at the stage now where we want to use it as strength," the Dutch defender asserted. "Diogo would want us to succeed; he would want us to do well, and that's the main thing."
Ensuring a Lasting Legacy for Jota
Van Dijk emphasised that the responsibility to honour Jota's memory extends far beyond the current season. He revealed that Jota's locker remains untouched at both Anfield and the Kirkby training centre, with a permanent stadium memorial also in development.
"The senior boys have discussed it, and we want to obviously honour his legacy, not only for the next year, two years, three years," Van Dijk stated. "He needs to be remembered forever, and that's something we're going to discuss with the club, how we're going to be able to do that." The captain added that he and other senior players feel a personal duty to ensure these lasting tributes are realised.
A Poignant Family Tribute at Anfield
The emotional weight of the occasion will be palpable at Anfield on Saturday 27 December. Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, will be special guests on the pitch before kick-off, with the children serving as match mascots.
Opponents Wolves have also paid their respects, with head coach Rob Edwards and interim executive chairman Nathan Shi laying flowers at the stadium on Boxing Day alongside players and staff. In his match programme notes, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot sent a heartfelt message to Jota's family during their first Christmas without him, hoping the widespread affection for the player offers some solace.
The planned 20th-minute tribute from Liverpool supporters, where Jota's song will ring around Anfield, is now seen by the squad not as a distraction, but as a powerful source of unity and motivation as they seek to honour their late teammate's memory on the pitch.
