Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Liverpool players are no longer 'affected' by supporters singing Diogo Jota's song during matches. The club captain opened up about the 20th-minute tribute from supporters ahead of their first game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota's former club, since his death on 3 July.

Speaking to The Times, Van Dijk said: "We've discussed that, and we're at a stage now where it doesn't affect us. It's obviously a sign of respect from our fans.

"So it's up to the fans what will happen, but just to let anyone know that it doesn't affect us. I remember the friendly game against Preston [North End], where it was really, really tough, but that was only two weeks after the accident.

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"The minute's silence in the home game against Bournemouth was very, very difficult. But I think we're at the stage now where we want to use it as strength.

"Diogo would want us to succeed; he would want us to do well, and that's the main thing. And I think the fans sing only out of the respect they have for Diogo because he deserves it."

The skipper also mentioned that Jota's locker remains in both the Anfield home dressing room and their training centre in Kirkby. A memorial at the stadium is also in the works.

However, Van Dijk noted that the senior players are keen on amplifying their tributes to their late teammate. He said: "The senior boys have discussed it, and we want to obviously honour his legacy, not only for the next year, two years, three years.

"He needs to be remembered forever, and that's something we're going to discuss with the club, how we're going to be able to do that. Van Dijk continued: "I think we can do a lot more in terms of remembering him, and that's something me and the senior boys will be looking after - and I feel that responsibility in order to make that happen, too.

Rute Cardoso, Jota's wife, along with their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, will be on the pitch before the kick-off between his two former clubs on Saturday. The children are to be among the mascots at Anfield.

Liverpool invited Jota's family as special guests. Wolves head coach Rob Edwards and interim executive chairman Nathan Shi, accompanied by their players and staff, paid tribute to Jota by laying flowers at the stadium on Boxing Day.

Arne Slot, in his programme notes for the match, sent a message to Jota's family. The Reds' head coach said: "Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is normal at this time of year to look back on everything that has happened.

"Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him. It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort - if that is even possible - but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace."

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