Arne Slot Speaks Publicly for First Time in Emotional Tribute to Jota

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic death of Diogo Jota, paying an emotional tribute to the forward and confirming the club’s decision to retire his No. 20 shirt.

Diogo Jota, 28, died alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident in Portugal earlier this month, just as he was preparing to return for pre-season training. The news shocked the football world and left Liverpool in deep mourning.

In a touching video released by the club, Slot described the Portugal international as a champion both on and off the pitch, and spoke with emotion about the impact Jota had on teammates, staff, and fans alike

We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go, Slot said. “Maybe especially in difficult moments. To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should, and have done.

Arne Slot also reflected on the emotional struggle of returning to training so soon after such a loss, admitting that the squad continues to grapple with grief.

Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. We keep asking ourselves: Can we train again? Can we laugh again?

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I told the players maybe the best thing to do is to be like Jota was — always himself. If you want to laugh, laugh. If you want to cry, cry. But be real.

Slot and several first-team players attended Jota’s funeral in Portugal, where the club showed full support to his wife Rute and their children. The Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Andy Robertson were seen carrying floral tributes shaped like shirts, with Jota’s No. 20 visible.

Reflecting on the last months of Jota’s life, Slot said the forward had lived like a true champion.

“In the last month of his life, he was a champion in everything — for his family, getting married; for his country, winning the Nations League; and for us, helping to win the Premier League.”

Liverpool will pay tribute to Jota and his brother ahead of their pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday. Supporters have been asked to take their seats by 2:50 pm BST for a minute’s silence, wreath-laying, and a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. Photos of Diogo and André will be shown on the big screens at Deepdale.

While Liverpool prepares for a new season that includes an Asia tour and the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, Arne Slot’s first public comments since Jota’s death have offered a powerful and heartfelt moment that fans and players alike will carry into the months ahead.