Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that his team is no longer affected by fans singing Diogo Jota songs during matches. Reds supporters often sing a memorial song in the 20th minute of games, and this will be the first time they have faced Jota’s former club Wolves since his tragic death.
Van Dijk told The Times: “We’ve talked about it and now we’re at a stage where it doesn’t affect us. Obviously it’s a sign of respect from the fans. So it’s up to the fans to decide what happens, but I just want to tell everyone that it doesn’t affect us. I remember the friendly against Preston (North End), it was a really, really tough game and it was just two weeks after the accident.”
“The minute’s silence at the home game against Bournemouth was very, very difficult, but I think we’re at a stage now where we want to make use of it.
“Diogo would want us to be successful and he would want us to be successful and that’s the most important thing. And I think the fans are only singing out of respect for Diogo because he deserves it.”
Van Dijk also revealed that Jota’s locker remains intact in his Anfield home dressing room and Kirkby training center, and that plans are afoot to erect a memorial at the stadium. But senior players are hoping to pay further tribute to their fallen teammate with further tributes.
He said: “The senior players are talking about it and we obviously want to honor his achievements, not just next year, two years, three years. He needs to be remembered forever and that’s something we’re going to talk about with the club and how we can do that.”
I think there’s a lot more we can do in terms of remembering him, and that’s something me and the upperclassmen are going to take care of. I also feel a responsibility to make that happen. ”
Jota’s wife, Lute Cardoso, and their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, will be on the pitch before kick-off between the former clubs on Saturday. Anfield’s mascots are also children.
The club invited Jota’s family as special guests. Wolves head coach Rob Edwards and interim executive chairman Nathan See, along with players and staff, laid flowers at the stadium in Jota’s honor on Boxing Day.
Arne Slott’s program notes for this match mention Jota’s family. The Reds’ head coach said: “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions as we reflect on everything that’s happened over the past 12 months, but it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s happened during this time.”
“In doing so, I think of Diogo Jota’s family, especially as they face their first Christmas without Diogo Jota. It is not my place to tell them where to look for solace, if that is possible, but I can only hope that the feelings of love and affection that Diogo is still generating will bring them some comfort.”
