Liverpool legend John Aldridge made a poignant visit to Anfield on Monday afternoon to honour the memory of former Reds forward Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva earlier this week.
The heartbreaking news has deeply affected the Liverpool community, with tributes pouring in from across the football world.
Diogo, 28, who had recently married and was a devoted father to three children, was travelling through Spain with his brother André when their car suffered a tyre blowout and crashed. The brothers were on their way to catch a ferry back to England ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season preparations. The tragedy has left fans, teammates, and the wider football family in mourning.
John Aldridge may have only spent a brief spell at Anfield, but his impact was undeniable. Signed by Liverpool in January 1987 for £750,000, the prolific striker spent two-and-a-half years with the club and quickly cemented his place among the Reds’ finest finishers. He played a key role in Liverpool’s dominant 1987-88 title-winning campaign, scoring 26 league goals as the team went an incredible 29 matches unbeaten.
Aldridge is now chairman of the club’s official former players’ association, Forever Reds, he laid down a floral tribute among the thousands of scarves, banners, shirts, photos, and other tokens of remembrance that have been left around Anfield.
The wreath bore a heartfelt message:
“Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. YNWA, from John Aldridge and everyone at the former players’ association, Forever Reds.”
Aldridge’s gesture was a symbol of the deep respect and affection held for Jota by those who have been part of Liverpool’s rich history. The former Ireland international expressed his sorrow and reflected on Jota’s impact at the club. The 66-year-old reflected on Jota’s legacy at the club stating:
“It’s just hard to get your head around news like this when it happens. He got married a few days ago, he’s got three kids with his lovely new wife, and suddenly it’s all gone.
It’s a reminder that most of the things we worry about in life don’t matter. All I can do is send my condolences to Diogo’s family and friends. It’s just horrible news.”
Aldridge highlighted the lasting legacy the forward leaves behind.
“He will always be fondly remembered by Liverpool fans. They have a great song for him and that will always be sung now. Just like Manchester United fans still sing about Eric Cantona 20 years after he left the club, Jota’s song will always be sung by Liverpool fans.
He played an important part in the club’s recent successes, scoring vital goals and earning a reputation as a fantastic professional. It’s just hard to believe this has happened.”
The tribute from Aldridge followed by a personal visit by former Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who visited Anfield last Friday to leave his own floral and scarf tribute to Jota. Members of manager Arne Slot’s squad also travelled to the 28-year-old hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, to pay their respects at the funeral over the weekend.
Liverpool’s close knit community is united in grief but also determined to honour the memory of one of their own. Aldridge’s visit to Anfield is a reminder of the profound impact Jota had on the club, on and off the pitch.
