For van Dijk, the death of Diogo Jota "still remains surreal"

One month after the shock of the tragic death of Diogo Jota (28 years old) and that of his brother André Silva (25 years old) in a road accident, the pain is understandably still intense among those around him.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared the Reds' dressing room with the Portuguese international (49 caps, 14 goals) since the latter's arrival at Anfield Road in September 2020. The Dutch defender is struggling to come to terms with the devastating news. And to move forward.

"To be honest, it's still a bit surreal, but we're doing our best to cope as a team and we're all trying to give the best of ourselves to get through this very difficult time," the centre-back told the English club's website on Monday.

The prop of the reigning English champions, who will play the Community Shield against Crystal Palace this Sunday, also admitted that he struggled to find meaning in continuing to kick a ball during this time of mourning.

"With everything that's happened, it's strange to now have to try to continue working and playing football," admitted Virgil van Dijk. "Of course, we will never forget Diogo. We just have to try to honor his memory. And that's what we try to do every day."

According to the Dutch international, this means providing unwavering support to the brothers' families, particularly Diogo Jota's wife, Rute, and their children. "They are the ones who must always come first in all of this," he said. "We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain right now."

Then he added: “I always come back to the fact that we have to take care of Diogo’s family, his parents, and that’s the most important thing. You think about so many different things, and it’s difficult to manage. You can’t imagine the pain, the feelings they’re going through. That’s why we try to be there as much as possible, for each other as well. That’s also why it’s very important that we honor and perpetuate his legacy, not only for the present moment and the next few months, but for as long as possible, because that’s what he deserves.”

In Liverpool, perhaps more than anywhere else, institutions and people know how to unite and magnify each other in the face of grief. The opening match of the Premier League season, scheduled for Friday, August 15, at home to Bournemouth, promises to be an emotional moment. A major memorial ceremony is planned for that day.