Cristiano Ronaldo's heartbreaking tribute to teammate Diogo Jota after tragic death
The crash took place in Zamora, Spain, and happened on Thursday morning. First reported by local media, it was later confirmed by Liverpool, who released a heartbreaking statement in honor of the club's No. 20.
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Jota's brother, Andre, was also involved in the accident and has been pronounced dead. Tributes have poured in for the Premier League striker, including from Jota's fellow Portuguese attacker, Ronaldo. Taking to social media, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote: "It doesn't make sense.
READ MORE: Liverpool flies flags at half mast as Reds fans lay flowers at Anfield after Diogo Jota death
READ MORE: UEFA confirms gesture to Portuguese FA after Diogo Jota tragic death at 28
"Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you got married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."
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As Ronaldo alluded to, they helped Portugal secure the Nations League title in Germany last month, beating Spain on penalties to secure the title. Liverpool's statement read: "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."
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Information on the incident was provided by local police, who said per the BBC: "The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.
"It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed."
A number of Premier League clubs have taken to their social media channels to pay tribute to Jota, who helped Liverpool win their 20th league title in May.
Manchester City wrote: "Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo."
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While fellow Merseyside club Everton commented: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time."
Jota's final game for Liverpool came in May in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, a day in which the Reds lifted the Premier League title.
The Portuguese international played 26 times in the league last campaign, scoring six goals.
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