Liverpool Players Resume Training Following Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota

Following the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota, Liverpool players have commenced their return to the club for pre-season training. The initial group of players were set to rejoin last Friday, but the schedule was postponed following Jota's untimely passing in a car accident. Jota, aged 28, was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season preparations, as medical advice had advised against air travel due to a recent minor surgery. With this, he chose to travel by car and ferry.

A substantial number of Liverpool players and staff paid their respects to Jota and his brother at a public wake in Portugal on Friday. The funeral took place on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Scotland defender Andy Robertson carrying floral tributes in honor of Jota and his brother. Manager Arne Slot was also part of Liverpool's delegation, and the team is scheduled to play their first pre-season match against Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, 13th July.

On Tuesday, Liverpool Women players Grace Fisk and Gemma Bonner laid a floral tribute outside Anfield on behalf of their team in remembrance of Jota and his brother. This added to the many tributes outside the stadium, with some also being placed at the club's training ground. Tributes have also been placed at Wolves' Molineux stadium, where Jota previously played.

Outside the football academy in Gondomar where Jota played and is named after him, a large picture depicting him wearing both the colors of the Portugal national team and the yellow of his hometown club as a child adorns a wall. The Liverpool community continues to mourn the loss of Jota and send their condolences to his family and friends.

Related Topics: Liverpool FC, Premier League, Football

Source: BBC Sport