DARWIN NUNEZ paid a heart-warming tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring in Liverpool’s first game since the tragic star’s death.
The 26-year-old came off the bench for the second half of the Reds’ pre-season friendly at Preston’s Deepdale Stadium.
GettyDarwin Nunez paid tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring for Liverpool against Preston[/caption]
GETTYNunez performed a baby shark celebration[/caption]
GettyNunez then performed his old team-mate’s video game celebration in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters[/caption]
GettyJota did a baby shark celebration against Ipswich[/caption]
GettyWhile this celebration made reference to his love of video games[/caption]
ReutersCody Gakpo also performed the baby shark when he scored Liverpool’s third[/caption]
Prior to kick-off travelling Liverpool fans joined in an emotional rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, while Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away support.
LJota was killed in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva last month.
This match is the club’s first game since the tragic incident.
And Nunez paid homage to his old team-mate after scoring.
The Uruguayan rounded the goalkeeper after picking up a short back pass to make it 2-0.
He originally did a baby shark celebration as he ran in front of the visiting fans, used by Jota after scoring in a game against Ipswich.
But Nunez then turned around and dropped to the floor.
He then replicated Jota’s celebration which made reference to his hobby playing video games, by sitting with his legs crossed and pretending to be holding a controller pad.
Fifa-lover Jota had used the celebration against Tottenham in 2023, with Nunez copying it in honour of the Portuguese today.
The first goal of the game was scored by Conor Bradley in the 33rd minute.
Preston’s Liam Lindsay pulled one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute.
Cody Gakpo restored the two-goal cushion for Arne Slot‘s side in the 88th minute, and also performed Jota’s baby shark celebration.
Following the game, the Liverpool faithful were joined by the players as they continued chanting Jota’s song.
Other stars have also paid tribute to Jota in their own way, with Raul Jimenez wearing a shirt with his name on to walk out on to the pitch and then copying his former Wolves team-mate’s gaming celebration as Mexico won the Gold Cup.
GettySalah and Van Dijk join Liverpool players and fans as they chant Jota’s song at the end[/caption]
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