'Everyone loved him' - Cody Gakpo opens up on 'difficulties' since Diogo Jota's death as he insists Liverpool players must remember 'who he was to us'

Portugal international Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car accident on July 3. An outpouring of emotion accompanied news of Jota’s passing, with tributes flooding in from around the world.

Friends and family are still coming to terms with the loss, and that includes Jota’s professional colleagues on Merseyside. Dutch forward Gakpo admits as much, telling The Athletic: “Yeah, it’s been very difficult. A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened. 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, reaching out and helping as much as possible.”

Gakpo was on holiday when Jota passed away, but was among those to attend an emotional funeral in Gondomar and to visit a shrine that was created outside Anfield. He added: “The family of Diogo hopefully felt the love we have for them, and for Diogo and his brother. You could see how we try to act as a club and a team, the supporters as well, the whole city, every football fan; as Liverpool, we really try to be a family.”

Liverpool have retired Jota’s squad number, with players set to wear a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on their shirts and stadium jackets throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Gakpo said of that show of respect: “It is the least we can do. Obviously, he was an outstanding player, but he as a person was even more wonderful. He was good with everyone. Everyone loved him, and that is also what you saw with how everyone reacted.

“So yeah, it’s more that we want to remember who he was to us. Not as a player, because the player we can see on the highlights on YouTube, but more as the person he was. He will be missed this season, but he will also be missed by everyone in this team and in this club, and by his family, for the rest of our lives. We will not forget him.”

Liverpool, who have spent time in Asia during pre-season, will be back in action at Anfield for the first time since Jota’s death when facing Athletic Club on Monday - with more tributes to a fan favourite being planned for that occasion.