Liverpool, July 8 (IANS) Liverpool football club began their pre-season training as players returned to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, five days after the tragic passing away of teammate Diogo Jota.

The players returned to several floral tributes left by the fans outside both the training center and Anfield representing the feelings of millions of fans around the world.

Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva passed away in a car accident on Thursday. The accident took place around 12:30 am local time in the Spanish province of Zamora. According to the Spanish police, Jota’s car veered off the road while trying to overtake another vehicle. A tyre blowout caused the car to lose control and caught fire.

Their funeral took place on Saturday in the Portuguese town of Gondoma at the Matriz de Gondomar church, located 33 kilometres from Porto.

A few of the players were expected to report back to the club on Friday but the tragic news saw them delay their plans. The Liverpool squad led by Virgil Van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot were present at Jota’s funeral to pay their respects.

Jota, 28, was a key figure for both Portugal and Liverpool. Since joining the club in 2020 from PL side Wolves, he helped them win major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. In his time at Anfield, he scored 65 goals in 182 matches and was widely admired for his work ethic and ability to deliver in crucial moments.

For Portugal, Jota earned 49 caps and netted 14 goals. He was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League title in 2019 and again in 2025, when Portugal defeated Spain in the final. The forward had celebrated that victory with his teammates just weeks ago.

Liverpool were scheduled to begin pre-season with a game against Preston North End on July 13, however there is no news surrounding whether the game will be played or not.

–IANS

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