On July 3rd, Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died when their car crashed in the early hours in northern Spain. Now, one month later many football fans are thinking of them in what was one of the biggest tragedies in football history.
Jota will not be forgotten
Like the rest of his Liverpool team-mates, Van Dijk was enjoying an end-of-season holiday when he learned of Jota's death which would have been heartbreaking for The Reds captain who is like a father figure for the whole squad. Speaking to to Liverpoolfc.com, Van Dijk opened up on how hard it has been without the Portuguese international by their side.
“It has, of course, been a very challenging time. First and foremost for Diogo and Andre’s family, for Rute and the kids. They are the people who must always come first in all of this. We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain in this moment.
“It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team, and we are all trying to do the best job we can in order to get through this really difficult time. With everything that happened, it has been strange having to now try to carry on with work, with football.
“We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That’s what we try to do each and every day.”
The pain is unimaginable
Liverpool will play host to two friendlies with Spanish side Athletic in the first fixtures back at the venue since Jota's passing and fans pay will be able to pay their respects to Jota before kickoff on what will be another emotional tribute to their No. 20.
Van Dijk says the tributes so far have been fantastic and he hopes that the squad can carry his legacy heading into the new season which will be tough without him.
“You will have all seen the tributes and the plans that are in place now. I have spoken with a lot of people within the club, and I think the way everything has been handled so far has been the best way.
“I always come back to the fact that we have to look after Diogo’s family, his parents, and that’s the main thing. You think about so many different things, and it’s difficult to process. You can’t imagine the pain, the feeling that they have. That’s why we try to be there as much as we can, and for each other as well.
“That’s also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy, not only for now and the next couple of months, but for as long as we can, because that is what he deserves.
“Obviously, we know that we will be reminded of him at games and at different grounds that we go to. We have seen that already in pre-season, because it is still so fresh. So today, let’s honour him, let’s enjoy the games and let’s do it together."