Wolves to remember Diogo Jota during first home game

Shannen Headley
BBC News, West Midlands
Matthew Cooper/PA Wire Floral tributes along with scarves, photographs and football T-shirt are on the ground with yellow metal barriers behind.Matthew Cooper/PA Wire
Tributes left by fans outside Molineux Stadium are being removed and preserved due to forecast thunderstorms, says club

Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club will celebrate the life of former player Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain.

Jota will be remembered for his time at the club during their first home game of the new Premiership season, against Manchester City.

The 28-year-old, who left the club to join Liverpool in 2020, died alongside his brother Andre Silva in the Spanish province of Zamora on 3 July.

Wolves released a statement on Monday to say it was grateful to fans who had visited to pay their respects, along with those who left messages, shirts, scarves and flowers in his memory.

The club said staff had begun removing and preserving tributes left outside the Molineux Stadium to protect them from damage due to forecast thunderstorms this week.

The statement said fans are encouraged to visit on Monday if they wish to view them before the weather conditions change.

It said Jota's and his brother's death will also be marked at the final home friendly against Celta Vigo.

"Over the past week, the area outside Molineux has become a moving and powerful tribute to Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre, following their tragic passing.

"The outpouring of love has been a source of comfort to all who knew him.

"The club is working closely with supporters to ensure both tributes are fitting of Diogo's legacy at Wolves, with the main commemorations planned for the Man City fixture."

Wolves said all non-perishable tributes will be carefully stored and will be kept for potential inclusion for a more permanent memorial, which the club is currently exploring.

Floral tributes will be gathered and turned into coloured ink, which can then be used as part of a bespoke artwork or tribute.

The statement said: "Thank you once again for your compassion, care and respect during this difficult time."

Reuters Diogo Jota wearing his yellow and black Wolverhampton football kit is running with his arms open during a game.Reuters
Wolves will remember Diogo Jota for his time at the club

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