Premier League champions, Liverpool have admitted they are ‘devastated’ in an emotional tribute to their player Diogo Jota after he died in a tragic car accident at the age of 28.
Jota and his brother, 26-year-old André Silva, were tragically involved in a car accident during the early hours of Thursday morning near the Spanish city of Zamora.
Jota’s death tragically came just two weeks after he married his childhood sweetheart and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, in Porto.
The Reds posted to Instagram on Thursday morning: ‘Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
‘The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
‘Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
‘We will continue to provide them with our full support.’
The star began his football career at Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016.
During his time with the Spanish side, he underwent two loan spells at Porto and Wolves before completing a permanent transfer to the Premier League club in 2018.
Two years later, he completed his £41million move to Liverpool – where he made over 100 appearances for the club en route to winning the Premier League title last
season.
In tribute to Jota, Wolves posted: ‘We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.
‘Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.’
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid said: ‘(We are) shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother Andre.
‘We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace.’
Porto also posted: ‘FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we end heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace’.
