Liverpool squad applauded by crowds as Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson arrive to Diogo Jota’s funeral with wreaths to pay respect after team-mate’s tragic death

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota‘s funeral carrying two wreaths to honour their team-mate and his late brother.

Jota, the Portugal and Liverpool star, was tragically killed in a car crash on Thursday which also took the life of his brother Andre Silva. The football stars were 28 and 25 years old, respectively.

With the funeral service beginning at 10am, managers and team-mates began arriving to pay their respects.

Liverpool club captain Virgil van Dijk was pictured carrying a wreath in the shape of a football shirt, featuring Jota’s No20.

Andrew Robertson, who had spoken of his closeness to Jota, carried a wreath featuring the No30, the number Jota’s brother wore at his club.

Liverpool players were applauded by the crowds that had gathered outside the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where the service will be held. 

Liverpool Arne Slot looked solemn with his head bowed as he walked with the squad into the church.

Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo were also among members ofthe Liverpool squad, who arrived together for the service.

Ex-Liverpool club captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner hadjoined their former team-mates.

Members of Liverpool’s hierarchy were in attendance, including FSG’s chief executive of football Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, sporting director. 

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was also among themourners attending the service.

Just last month, Jota had been part of Martinez’s Portugalsquad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League.

Former Portugal boss Fernando Santos is alsoamong the attendees, as well as Vasco Seabra, who had coached Jota at his first club, Pacos de Ferreira.

Ruben Neves, who played with Jota with Wolves and Portugal, made a transatlantic trip in order to attend the ceremony.

Neves had last night played at the Club World Cup in the United States for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

The midfielder had been emotional during a minute’s silence at the match in Orlando, Florida.