Liverpool FC have paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of their pre-season friendly at Preston. In their first game since the star died in a car accident 10 days ago, the Portuguese forward was honoured by club players and fans.

Lone before kick-off, away supporters were singing the song they used to serenade Jota with at Anfield. Amidst a huge number of tribute banners and flags in the stands, a rendition of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by a female singer reduced many supporters to tears. It was followed by the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

Preston captain Ben Whiteman also laid down a wreath just in front of Liverpool fans. A number of players appeared to be struggling as they walked onto the field, with Federico Chiesa one star seemingly fighting back tears.

In the stands, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk were also emotional as both sides observed a minute’s silence. One banner in the stands read: “Diogo Jota. Forever missed. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our number 20.”

Another huge flag read: “Diogo Jota, You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Fans continued to chant the forward’s name during the opening few minutes, and all players wore black armbands.

Following the deaths of Jota and brother Andre Silva, there had been question marks over whether Liverpool’s first game of the summer would go ahead. However, both clubs were in agreement to play, with the Premier League champions next playing AC Milan on July 26.

Prior to kick-off, Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke on how his side would cope with the occasion and sent a message to fans, telling Liverpool FC: “If we want to laugh, we laugh; if we want to cry, we’re going to cry.

“If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don’t think you have to be different than your emotions tell you. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”