Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, settled Diogo Jota’s contract in full to the Portuguese star’s family after his tragic death at the beginning of July.
Jota was killed in a car accident, alongside his brother, Andre Silva, while travelling through Spain to catch a ferry back to the United Kingdom for pre-season preparations.
The Portuguese still had two years remaining on his Anfield deal when he passed away, with reports during the summer suggesting the club would honour his entire contract. Slot has now verified this generous act while reflecting on the forward’s death,
According to him, FSG had settled his contract completely to assist the player’s relatives.
Players, match officials and fans take part in a minute’s silence as a fan mosaic depicting “DJ20” is displayed in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately we had to bring one player more in than we were… than what was the plan,” he told Ally McCoist in an interview with TNT Sports. “That’s why our spending was higher than intended.
“The grief of the city, that is what makes it for me so special to work at this club. To work at a club where there is success and there is a parade, of course this parade is bigger than any parade everywhere around the world.
“But the way they conducted, the fans themselves, after that tragedy. How many flowers there were, all the memorials, I can almost get emotional thinking about it. It’s unbelievable what our fans have done.
“And our players as well, the way they have conducted themselves in and around the funeral. And then we have to train again. And there are moments where I feel, ‘What must his wife and his children feel now?'”.
“Because it sounds so hard… our life continues. People expect from me that I prepared them forever. And that sometimes feels a bit difficult, knowing how hard it is for the family and for the parents. The phase they are still going through and will go through for the rest of their lives.
Liverpool fans pose for a photo whilst holding a flag in memory of Diogo Jota. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
“I said how proud I felt about how the fans reacted but ownership… Owners are mainly criticised, like managers, but the way they’ve handled this situation, by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract [is commendable]. Maybe people think it’s normal, but it is not in football.”
Liverpool have ensured Jota remains in the club history as his number 20 jersey was permanently retired. A sculpture at Anfield, crafted from recycled items from fans’ tributes laid at the club’s stadium throughout the summer, has also been commissioned.
In addition, a ‘Forever 20′ emblem will be stitched onto the players’ kits and warm-up jackets and a new grassroots football programme is being established in Jota’s name.
Liverpool also honoured Jota and Silva during pre-season with poignant moments before each match, including floral tributes and minute silences.
