Liverpool stars soak in fans' tributes to Diogo Jota at final whistle as Arne Slot's Reds win their first game back since car tragedy with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo copying late star's celebrations

Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota with their goal celebrations after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Preston.

Liverpool were taking to the field for the first time since the tragic passing of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain on July 3.

Arne Slot's side won 3-1, with Conor Bradley opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Nunez made it 2-0 just after half time. Liam Lindsay got a goal back for Preston, with Gakpo then adding a third for Liverpool.

Gakpo performed Jota's trademark celebration on a day that emphasized how much of an impact the star's passing has had on his teammates.

After scoring, Nunez performed Jota's PlayStation celebration. He also pointed to the sky in memory of his teammate and replicated another of his celebrations.

Liverpool players applauded the fans at full time as they stood and listened to Jota's famous chant in emotional scenes.

Reds players, including captain Virgil van Dijk, who wasn't in the matchday squad, paid tribute to Jota after the game.

Gakpo and Jota made 53 appearances alongside each other for Liverpool, while Nunez played with Jota on 51 occasions.

Jota's passion for playing FIFA (now called EAFC) was widely known, with the Portugal international often competing in tournaments online.

He also founded his own eSports company - Diogo Jota eSports - which was later named Luna Galaxy after his pet dog.

Numerous tributes were paid to Jota and Silva at Deepdale.

Before the game between Liverpool and Preston, an immaculately observed minute's silence took place.

Liverpool's club anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung before kick-off, while Preston's club captain Benjamin Whiteman carried a wreath which he placed in front of the away end as part of the hosts' tribute.

Players from both teams wore black armbands, and digital tributes were shown on screens around the ground.

A black and white image of Jota holding the Premier League trophy featured on the cover of a 16-page commemorative matchday programme at Deepdale.

Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing Jota's name. Liverpoolol confirmed this week that the club's No. 20 shirt will be retired in memory of Jota.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and made 182 appearances for the Reds, while he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.First of all, before even starting the chat, I felt like I was really talking to a human, not some AI machine or robot.

Because there's a reason for this too — you people don't say anything beyond the limitations you've been given. You don't give any suggestions or recommendations either. Whereas pure AI like ChatGPT or DeepSeek gives better, more satisfying answers. What's the reason?

For example, when I asked you if I could edit my video before re-uploading it due to reuse content, without deleting it, your reply was, ‘We can’t say anything about this; you may do it at your own risk.’