India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj paid an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota during the third Test against England on Friday.
After dismissing Jamie Smith on Day 2 of the match in Rajkot, Siraj was seen raising both hands to signal the number ’20’ with his fingers, which is the shirt number worn by Jota at Liverpool, before pointing to the sky.
The gesture comes just days after the Portuguese forward tragically lost his life in a car crash in Spain, along with his brother André Silva. The Liverpool star was travelling to England for pre-season training when the accident occurred on July 3.
Mohammed Siraj Pays Tribute To Diogo Jota In India-England Test
Siraj’s tribute is the latest among many from athletes and fans across the world who continue to honour Jota’s memory. The 28-year-old spent five years at Anfield, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and helping the club win four major trophies, including the Premier League last season.
Liverpool have since announced that they will retire the No. 20 shirt in his honour, a first in the club’s history.
The Reds return to action this Sunday, July 13, when they face Preston North End in their opening pre-season match at Deepdale. A series of tributes are planned for both Jota and his brother André, including a minute’s silence and a display from supporters.
In a statement, the club said: “Diogo Jota and Andre Silva will be commemorated with a number of tributes at Liverpool’s match against Preston North End. The Reds will take to the pitch for a friendly at Deepdale on Sunday for the first time since the brothers tragically died in a road traffic accident in Spain.”
The funeral took place last week in Portugal, with many members of the Liverpool squad and staff in attendance.
Jota’s legacy lives on, not only at Liverpool but across the world of sport.
