‘Difficult day' for Al-Hilal's Portugal pair — Inzaghi
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Saudi Gazette
32 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Football world mourns Diogo Jota and brother André Silva at funeral in Portugal
GONDOMAR, Portugal — Players from Liverpool FC and Portugal's national team joined family and friends on Saturday to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, just two days after the siblings died in a tragic car crash in Spain. The service was held at Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, near Porto, where Jota had a family home. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward and his 25-year-old brother were killed early Thursday when their Lamborghini veered off a quiet highway near Zamora in northwestern Spain and burst into flames. Spanish authorities suspect a blown tire caused the accident. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk arrived at the church carrying a floral tribute shaped like a red football jersey with Jota's No. 20. Teammate Andrew Robertson followed with a similar arrangement marked with the No. 30, worn by André Silva during his time at Portuguese club Penafiel. Liverpool manager Arne Slot also joined the club delegation. Portugal international Rúben Neves, who had played the night before for Al Hilal in the Club World Cup in Orlando, served as a pallbearer for Jota. He was joined by João Cancelo, also from Al Hilal, who was visibly emotional during the minute of silence observed before Friday's quarterfinal match. Both players were among several who flew back to Portugal immediately after the game. Church bells rang at 10:00 a.m. as mourners gathered. The caskets were carried into the church by pallbearers, followed by family members and hundreds of friends, including players from Gondomar FC, where Jota began his football journey at age 9. Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martínez, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias, and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes were also in attendance. 'These are really, really sad days,' said Martínez. 'But today we showed we are a large, close family. Their spirit will be with us forever.' Porto's Bishop Manuel Linda led the funeral mass, which filled the church to capacity, with dozens of mourners following the service via loudspeaker outside. After the mass, the coffins were carried to the nearby cemetery for burial. Jota's death comes only two weeks after he married longtime partner Rute Cardoso during his summer break. The couple had three children together, the youngest born last year. The brothers had been traveling to northern Spain to catch a boat bound for England so Jota could rejoin Liverpool following the offseason. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from the global football community, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players, fans, and Portuguese officials. The Portuguese forward had just completed a successful season, helping Liverpool win the Premier League title. — Agencies
Al Arabiya
5 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Liverpool Players Join Family of Diogo Jota and His Brother for Funeral Held in Portugal
Liverpool players joined family and friends for the funeral of their teammate Diogo Jota and his brother on Saturday, two days after the siblings died in a car crash in Spain. The service was held at Igreja Matriz church in the Portuguese town of Gondomar, where Jota had a home. Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martínez and several top Portuguese players also attended, including Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain early Thursday after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed on an isolated stretch of highway just after midnight on Thursday and burst into flames. The brothers were reportedly heading to catch a boat from northern Spain to go to England, where Jota was to rejoin Liverpool after a summer break. Spanish police are investigating the cause of the crash, which did not involve another vehicle, they said. They said they believe it could have been caused by a blown tire. Their bodies were repatriated to Portugal after being identified by the family. A wake was held for them on Friday. Jota's death occurred two weeks after he married long-time partner Rute Cardoso while on vacation from a long season where he helped Liverpool win the Premier League. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. Jota was born in Porto but started his playing career as a child on nearby Gondomar. Silva played for Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. Their loss led to an outpouring of condolences from the soccer world and Portuguese officials.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Liverpool players join family of Diogo Jota and his brother for funeral held in Portugal
GONDOMAR, Portugal: Liverpool players joined family and friends for the funeral of their teammate Diogo Jota and his brother on Saturday, two days after the siblings died in a car crash in Spain. The service will be held at Igreja Matriz church in the Portuguese town of Gondomar, where Jota had a home. Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martínez and several top Portuguese players also attended, including Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias and Manchester United's Bruno Fernándes. Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain early Thursday after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed on an isolated stretch of highway just after midnight on Thursday and burst into flames. The brothers were reportedly heading to catch a boat from northern Spain to go to England where Jota was to rejoin with Liverpool after a summer break. Spanish police are investigating the cause of the crash, which did not involve another vehicle, they said. They said they believe it could have been caused by a blown tire. Their bodies were repatriated to Portugal after being identified by the family. A wake was held for them on Friday. Jota's death occurred two weeks after he married long-time partner Rute Cardoso while on vacation from a long season where he helped Liverpool win the Premier League. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year. Jota was born in Porto but started his playing career as a child on nearby Gondomar. Silva played for Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. Their loss led to an outpouring of condolences from the soccer world and Portuguese officials.
