Diogo Jota made heartbreaking phone call hours before tragic crash
Portuguese international Jota, 28, died alongside brother Andre Silva, 26, in a tragic car accident on the A-52 motorway in Zamora province, Spain.
The pair were reportedly on the way to the port of Santander to catch a ferry back to England after Jota was advised not to fly in light of recent lung surgery. The Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road at 12:30am local time after what is suspected to be a tyre blowout while overtaking. Both men died at the scene with the vehicle catching fire.
Now the Mirror reports, that hours before their tragic crash Jota made one last phone to Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira.
Cerqueira told JN: "It was just after 10pm last night [Thursday], we were on the phone and he was fine.
"We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment. When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available.
"His brother would usually come too, and they would both train. It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void."
Jota started his career at Gondomar FC, a club based outside the Portuguese city of Porto in an area he called home. Jota had returned to Gondomar over the summer to marry long-term partner Rute Cardose, with whom he had three children.
He and his brother's funeral is set to take place at 10am on Saturday morning. A wake is due to take place at Sao Cosme Chapel before a funeral service at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Countless tributes have been paid to the late Liverpool star, from ex-team-mates, managers, clubs and fans alike. Mourners have gathered at Anfield, leaving behind flowers and tokens of their admiration.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk was one of many to release a message remembering Jota, as he wrote on Instagram: "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 & Andre."
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