Diogo Jota, André Silva honored by Liverpool ahead of Premier League season opener
Finally, the crowd joined in on a moment of silence, with separate parts of the stadium holding up placards reading "DJ20" and "AS30" in the colors of their native Portugal.
It was hard to look in the crowd and not spot a sign paying tribute to the brothers. One banner featured a message to Jota's wife and children: "Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda - Anfield will always be your home. You'll Never Walk Alone."
The scene inside Liverpool's home ground was an emotional one ahead of Friday's season-opening match of the Premier League — one in which they are reigning champions. After a summer that was meant for celebration, Liverpool were forced to mourn just as they were beginning preseason with the news of the tragedy.
They will now try to defend their title with their former teammate close to their heart beginning Friday against Bournemouth.
"It's been really difficult how to act for all of us. I've tried to say to the players 'act like the person Diogo was,'" Liverpool manager Arne Slot told Sky Sports. "He was always good with everyone. If you wanted to laugh you could laugh, to cry you could cry. He accepted everyone for the person he was. So let us be ourselves and not judge each other, whatever we feel. When things were difficult, Diogo helped the club, and me, but even before I arrived, so many times in difficult moments.
"So, we try to get the best out of ourselves, all become a bit Diogo in this difficult time and to act like he always did."
Worldwide tributes for Jota, Silva
The soccer world began paying tribute to the brothers following their tragic deaths in early July. Moments of silence were held at matches, including the Women's EUROs and Club World Cup.
Other tributes were seen at Oasis' first reunion concert in Wales and by players around the world performing Jota's video game celebration.
Liverpool dedicated the cover of its match-day program to Jota, who played 123 times for the club, and Silva. All players across the league will wear black arm bands this weekend and will take part in a moment of silence.
Jota will also be immortalized with a statue at Anfield and players will wear a "Forever 20" emblem on their jerseys this season in reference to his number. The No. 20 has also been permanently retired by the club, the first time that honor has been bestowed on a former player in club history.
This week, Chelsea players decided to donate a portion of their Club World Cup bonuses to the family, according to The Athletic.
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