Darwin Nunez performs tragic Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota's celebration after scoring in first game since his death
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DARWIN NUNEZ has started Liverpool's pre-season off in style by paying a heart-warming tribute to Diogo Jota.
The 26-year-old came off the bench for the second half of the Reds' pre-season friendly at Preston's Deepdale Stadium.
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Darwin Nunez paid tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring for Liverpool against Preston
Credit: Getty
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Nunez performed a baby shark celebration
Credit: GETTY
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Nunez then performed his old team-mates celebration in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters
Credit: Getty
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Jota did a baby shark celebration against Ipswich
Credit: Getty
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While his playing games celebration made reference to his love of video games
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Cody Gakpo also performed it when he scored Liverpool's third
Credit: Reuters
Prior to kick-off travelling Liverpool fans had an emotional rendition of the club's anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, while Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath alongside the away support.
The late Liverpool star Jota 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.
Liverpool and Preston pay emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and brother in first game since tragic pair's death
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 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 onto the pitch with and then copying his former Wolves team-mates gaming celebration as Mexico won the Gold Cup.
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