Football club Manchester United grants bereaved players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot extended leave following the sad demise of Liverpool's Diogo Jota.
In a tragic turn of events, the football community was left in shock following the death of Diogo Jota, a Liverpool forward, in a car crash earlier this month. His compatriots and teammates, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, have been deeply affected by the loss.
Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, described Jota as a "friend, colleague, and companion in a thousand battles," while Dalot, another United player, noted the devastation and offered strength to Jota's bereaved family.
Both players publicly paid tribute to Jota, expressing their grief and condolences. Fernandes wrote a heartfelt message, "May you and your brother find the peace you need."
The football world, including both Manchester United and Liverpool, has been in mourning, and pre-season routines have understandably been disrupted. As a result, Liverpool Football Club has delayed its return for pre-season, and both Fernandes and Dalot have been granted extended leave by Manchester United.
The duo attended the funeral for Jota in Gondomar, Portugal, alongside a large group of current and former Liverpool players, staff, and Portugal national team representatives. The emotional impact of the loss has meant that their pre-season training and preparations have been momentarily set aside as they, along with the broader football world, process the tragedy.
No official update has been provided regarding when their pre-season activities will resume, but it is clear that personal well-being and respect for Jota’s memory are currently prioritized.
Liverpool's first pre-season match is scheduled for Sunday, 13 July, against Preston at Deepdale. Matches against AC Milan and Yokohama FM are scheduled for 26 and 30 July during a tour of Japan. However, the exact schedule for Liverpool's pre-season remains uncertain due to the ongoing mourning.
Our thoughts are with Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and the entire football community as they navigate this difficult time.
General news outlets have been covering the tragic car-accident that claimed the life of Diogo Jota, a forward for Liverpool Football Club, extensively. The accident has left the sports world in turmoil, particularly the European leagues, with the Premier League among those deeply affected. Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United, and Diogo Dalot, another United player, who shared a friendship with Jota, have encouraged fans to keep the family of the deceased in their thoughts during this challenging time. Both players have requested an extension of their pre-season leave due to the emotional impact of the car-accident. Following Jota's funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, they are prioritizing personal well-being and the respectful remembrance of their friend.
