Vigil van Dijk admits it has been 'surreal' for Liverpool players to 'carry on with work' after Diogo Jota's tragic death as Reds aim to honour late striker on the pitch

Jota tragically lost his life while on his way to rejoin Liverpool for pre-season. The vehicle caught fire after veering off the road, with reports suggesting a blown tyre may have caused the crash. Jota had been recovering from a lung operation and was unable to fly, which was the reason he was travelling back via road to a ferry port.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Van Dijk said: “It has, of course, been a very challenging time. First and foremost for Diogo and Andre’s family, for Rute and the kids. They are the people who must always come first in all of this. We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain in this moment.

“It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team, and we are all trying to do the best job we can in order to get through this really difficult time. With everything that happened, it has been strange having to now try to carry on with work, with football. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That’s what we try to do each and every day. The club is very supportive in this, and that has been very important for all of us. You will have all seen the tributes and the plans that are in place now. I have spoken with a lot of people within the club, and I think the way everything has been handled so far has been the best way.

“I always come back to the fact that we have to look after Diogo’s family, his parents, and that’s the main thing. You think about so many different things, and it’s difficult to process. You can’t imagine the pain, the feeling that they have. That’s why we try to be there as much as we can, and for each other as well.

“That’s also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy, not only for now and the next couple of months, but for as long as we can, because that is what he deserves. Obviously, we know that we will be reminded of him at games and at different grounds that we go to. We have seen that already in pre-season, because it is still so fresh. So today, let’s honour him, let’s enjoy the games and let’s do it together."

Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and made 131 appearances for the club. During his time at Anfield, he helped the Reds win the FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Premier League title. His passing has clearly left a huge void in the dressing room.

The Reds are set to return to Anfield for the first time since Jota's passing, where they will take on Athletic Club. The club plans to honour him throughout the season, with players motivated to play in his memory. Van Dijk urged the Liverpool community to stay united and support Jota’s loved ones in the difficult months ahead.