Liverpool player Diogo Jota died on Thursday in a car crash in Spain along with his brother André Silva as their vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames. The accident that took place in the northwestern Spanish city of Zamora has shaken the football world with tributes coming in for the deceased footballer. Cristiano Ronaldo said he could not make sense of what happened.
“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." wrote Ronaldo who captained Jota for Portugal.
Jota was the member of Portugal squad which won the UEFA Nations League recently.
Jota's club Liverpool said it was devastated by the passing away of Jota.
“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.”
UEFA too reacted on the tragic demise of Jota.
“On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
“More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honor their legacy daily," said Portuguese soccer federation president Pedro Proença.
"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sport," stated Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on the untimely death.
The Premier League said it was “shocked and devastated.”
“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time,” it said. “Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”
Jota’s death comes weeks after he married Rute Cardoso and in a social media post wrote, “Yes to forever.” They had three children, the youngest born last year.
(With AP Inputs)
