Liverpool to honour late Jota in emotional EPL opener

Liverpool will tonight kick off their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth in what will be a deeply emotional night at Anfield.

It will be the Reds’ first league game since the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash last month.

The club has confirmed that Jota’s wife, children, and extended family will be present for the tribute.

Manager Arne Slot, in his matchday notes, said the club will “come together to honour them once more” and assured the family of Liverpool’s “love and support always.”

Before kick-off, fans will unite to remember the 27-year-old Portugal forward, whose No. 20 shirt has been retired across all Liverpool teams.

The club has also launched a ‘Forever 20’ commemorative T-shirt in Jota’s memory, with proceeds going to the LFC Foundation for a grassroots football programme in his name.

Slot, while acknowledging the emotional weight of the night, also turned his attention to Bournemouth.

“They finished ninth last season and have a lot of good players. We will not underestimate them,” he said.

Liverpool’s boss praised new signings Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, but admitted the team must tighten up defensively.

Fans at Anfield are expected to raise the roof under the lights tonight — a fitting farewell to a player who left too soon.