Jota, aged 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning in northwestern Spain. ..Continue Reading
The two were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another car, veered off the road, and caught fire.
Spanish authorities confirmed that both men died at the scene around 12:30 a.m.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including emotional messages from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamie Carragher, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot described Jota as a player defined by “hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, and goals,” and extended his condolences to the family.
Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was the first Liverpool player to publicly respond, sharing a tribute on Instagram.
He wrote: “You will be remembered my friend.”
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah also released emotional statements on Thursday.
Van Dijk wrote: “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.
“You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids.
“I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it.
“We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André.”
And according to Egypt-based outlet Yallakora, relayed by the Mail, Salah is set to return to the UK and cut short his holiday.
Salah played with Jota on 150 occasions, the second most of any player behind former Wolves and Portugal teammate Ruben Neves.
