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Tributes have poured in for the Liverpool FC footballer Diogo Jota, who has died in a car crash aged 28.
The forward, who hails from Portugal, died in a crash near Zamora, northwestern Spain, Spanish news agency EFE has reported.
The crash happened at 12.40 am on Thursday (3 July) morning on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria. It is reported that their vehicle left the road and caught on fire.
Jota’s death comes just days after he got married to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, last month. He was the father of three children.
According to reports, Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, 26, was also killed in the crash. He was a professional footballer for Portuguese second division side Pennafiel.
Jota signed for English Premier League side Liverpool in September 2020 and helped the team win the title last season.
The news has rocked the sporting world, with tributes from fans and colleagues alike.
His Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote in a post [translated from Portuguese]: "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you."
His club, Liverpool FC, shared: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.”
Liverpool Legend Jamie Carragher wrote on X/Twitter: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Jota’s former manager at Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp, shared a statement on Instagram, writing: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!
“All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love. J.”
The Premier League shared a tribute, writing: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”
Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville said: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
“Jota news has shaken me. Life is so precious and unpredictable. Just married, leaves behind three young children. May he rest in peace and may his family, friends and everybody impacted find the strength in this moment,” a social media user shared.
Another wrote: “RIP Diogo Jota. No matter what club you support, you can never deny that he was an absolute blessing to football. Thoughts with his family and friends during this time.”
“You’ll never walk alone, Diogo Jota,” wrote one Liverpool FC fan account.
Another wrote: “Life is so short. RIP Diogo. Our thoughts are with your family and friends at this tragic time.”
Someone else said: “I can’t even attempt to put to words how tragic this is.”
Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!”
Someone shared a video of Liverpool fans chanting for him and wrote: “Desperately heartbreaking. Rest in peace Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.”
Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and André Silva.
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