‘Devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota’: Liverpool FC

Liverpool: Liverpool said on Thursday that the club had been left "devastated" by the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car crash in Spain.

Spanish police said a vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames shortly after midnight in the northern province of Zamora.

Jota, 28, got married to his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple had three children.

He spent the last five years at Anfield and helped the English giants win the Premier League last season.

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the club said in a statement.

"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."

German footballer and Liverpool's midfielder Florian Wirtz took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express deep personal grief over Diogo Jota's tragic death. 

He said, “This is absolutely heart-wrenching. I have literally dropped everything I am doing for a day off. I just can't take it. RIP Diogo Jota . Your young family, #LiverpoolFC and fans got robbed.”

Basketball legend and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James said, “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!”.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said, "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular, but there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, who will also be shocked by this.”

Portuguese Football Federation said, “We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”

Diogo Jota's former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves said, “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”. 

Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers where Diogo Jota played from 2017-2020 said, “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. You will be truly missed, and always remembered".

British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “Heartbreaking news. The whole house (of Commons) is heartbroken by this news and I wanted to send our sympathies to his friend and family on behalf of the whole house”.

English Premier League said, “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club”.

Fans were quick to arrive at Anfield following the news and laid down tributes of their own, including scarves, wreaths and flowers.

Capped 49 times by Portugal, Jota previously played with Atletico Madrid and Porto before moving to England in 2017 with Wolves.

His impressive form earned a £45 million ($62 million) move to Liverpool three years later where he quickly became a fans' favourite thanks to his goalscoring prowess.

Jota scored 65 times for the Reds and also lifted the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021/22 season.

AFP