Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre on Friday as they each laid a single rose outside Anfield in honour of the siblings, who tragically died last week

Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre outside Anfield on Friday(Image: Liverpool FC – Handout via Getty Images)

Andrew Robertson consoled an emotional Mohamed Salah as Liverpool’s players paid tribute to Diogo Jota outside Anfield. Jota and his brother Andre tragically died in a car crash last week and a sea of floral tributes have been laid near Anfield.

Liverpool’s squad visited the tributes on Friday, with each player laying a single rose in remembrance, and Robertson could be seen with his arm around Salah as he consoled his team-mate.

The players were joined by Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and other family members with the club sharing a series of images on social media with the caption: “Our squad and staff paid their respects to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield today, alongside members of the brothers’ family.”

Liverpool also announced on Friday that they have retired Jota’s shirt number, with FSG’s CEO of Football Michael Edwards stating: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.

“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual.

“Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.

“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”

Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon added: “The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.

“His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20. Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and Andre.”

There will also be a number of tributes when Liverpool play their first pre-season friendly against Preston at Deepdale on Sunday. There will be a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ ahead of kick-off and Preston captain Ben Whiteman will lay a wreath.

A minute’s silence will also be held, with both sets of players wearing black armbands in honour of the brothers. The game will be shown live on ITV1, with their coverage due to get underway at 2.40pm.