Cody Gakpo has discussed the tragic death of Diogo Jota last month, as he and his Liverpool teammates return to Anfield for the first time since his passing.
The Portuguese sadly died in a car accident on July 3rd, along with his brother Andre Silva, in a moment that shocked the football world.
For Liverpool, it has been a heartbreaking and surreal period, as Arne Slot and his players try to move on without Jota around.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo ahead of the Reds’ two friendlies against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday evening, Gakpo opened up about the death of his former teammate.
“It’s been very difficult, for obvious reasons,” Gakpo said.
“I think a lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened and we came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible.
“We tried to be there as much as we could at that moment for the family and together as a team to help wherever we could. We still try to do that and everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, to reach out and help as much as possible.
“The family of Diogo, hopefully, felt the love we have for them and for Diogo and his brother. But yeah, you could see how we try to act as a club and a team, the supporters as well, the whole city, every football fan, that we as Liverpool try to be a family.”
Jota to be remembered at Anfield
Monday’s matches against Bilbao are likely to be emotional, with Jota expected to be remembered at Anfield with tributes, with a permanent memorial being created at the ground.
Liverpool’s players haven’t only lost a teammate but also a great friend, and it’s now a case of them trying to move on in the most respectful way possible.
Jota wouldn’t want his old colleagues to be too affected moving forward, instead hoping they defend their Premier League title, but they will no doubt be thinking of him throughout this season, hoping to do him proud.
He will never be forgotten by anyone associated with Liverpool.
