I started doing a daily blog when we went into lockdown just over five years ago. I thought I’d be doing it for a few weeks but as it happened it continued for much longer than I expected. On day four (25 March 2020) I wrote about the impact of lockdown on football and reflected on Jurgen Klopp’s comment that football was “the most important of the least important things”.
That was surely true during Covid when people were losing loved ones or being isolated and lonely. It made us realise that although we missed going to Anfield and watching our team there were more important things in life. And that it was really being with our friends that made the football special.
I still do the blog although not daily. Usually when I’m on my travels, or when there’s something interesting going on with the football. It is only 6 weeks ago that we had a celebration weekend in Liverpool when LFC won their 20th title. Everyone, players and fans alike, celebrated together and we all had a weekend full of friendship and fun.
Denis and I then had our annual month away on Naxos, and I came back excited for the forthcoming football season. LFC had made some great signings early in the transfer window and we had a pre-season trip to Wembley planned, to play Crystal Palace in the traditional curtain raiser, the Community Shield. This is either the first trophy of the season or a meaningless pre-season friendly, depending on whether you win or lose. All seemed well with the LFC world.
And then tragedy struck. Everyone will be aware of the road accident which took the life of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool striker, and his brother, Andre Silva. It is unimaginable to think how devastated their families must be.
From being a place of such joy only six weeks ago Anfield has now become a place of mourning where people – not just LFC fans – can go to express their sorrow and offer their condolences.
From sharing victorious moments on the pitch and on an open top bus with Diogo, Liverpool players have now attended his funeral.
The players have now returned to training. It remains to be seen what impact Diogo’s death and his absence will have on them and the team’s performances this coming season. But that will pale into insignificance compared with what his parents, wife and children will be going through.
Football really is unimportant in the midst of grief but as Jurgen said it is still “The most important of the least important things”
RIP Diogo Jota YNWA
And of course I’ll finish with his song.
Pearl Blog 3 