England will give full support to Portugal at women's Euros: Bronze
Zurich
England defender Lucy Bronze said the Lionesses would lend their full support to the Portuguese team at the Women's European Championship after they were 'shocked' by the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Portugal play World Cup champions Spain in their tournament opener on Thursday night in Bern, where a minute's silence will be observed in honour of the Portugal international and 28-year-old father of three, who was killed in a car crash alongside his brother in Spain.
Bronze, who was born in Berwick-Upon-Tweed to a Portuguese father and an English mother, said the Lionesses were stunned when word travelled through the camp in Zurich, where they are preparing to open their title defence against France on Saturday.
'Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread,' said Bronze, who will be competing in her fourth consecutive Euros and seventh major tournament.
'Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them - him and his brother. They were so young as well.
'We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It's just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really.'
A moment of silence will be observed at all of Thursday and Friday's matches in memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Bronze added: 'We'll be watching the games tonight and Portugal play their first game against Spain and I know there will be a minute's silence held before that game.
'I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are.
'It is just a really sad moment for everyone involved in football, knowing what a great guy he is and what an amazing year he's had - not just in football, but he got married a few weeks ago and he's got some little kids. It's just so sad.'
A Lionesses statement read: 'We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend.
'The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends, and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams.
'We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory.'
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England will give full support to Portugal at women's Euros: Bronze
PAMedia/dpa Zurich England defender Lucy Bronze said the Lionesses would lend their full support to the Portuguese team at the Women's European Championship after they were 'shocked' by the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. Portugal play World Cup champions Spain in their tournament opener on Thursday night in Bern, where a minute's silence will be observed in honour of the Portugal international and 28-year-old father of three, who was killed in a car crash alongside his brother in Spain. Bronze, who was born in Berwick-Upon-Tweed to a Portuguese father and an English mother, said the Lionesses were stunned when word travelled through the camp in Zurich, where they are preparing to open their title defence against France on Saturday. 'Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread,' said Bronze, who will be competing in her fourth consecutive Euros and seventh major tournament. 'Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them - him and his brother. They were so young as well. 'We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It's just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really.' A moment of silence will be observed at all of Thursday and Friday's matches in memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Bronze added: 'We'll be watching the games tonight and Portugal play their first game against Spain and I know there will be a minute's silence held before that game. 'I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are. 'It is just a really sad moment for everyone involved in football, knowing what a great guy he is and what an amazing year he's had - not just in football, but he got married a few weeks ago and he's got some little kids. It's just so sad.' A Lionesses statement read: 'We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend. 'The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends, and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams. 'We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory.'
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It doesn't make sense - Ronaldo leads tributes to Portugal mate Jota
PAMedia/dpa London Cristiano Ronaldo said 'it doesn't make sense' following the death of his Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, aged 28. The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel. Jota helped Liverpool to win the Premier League title last season and was part of the Portugal side, along with Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month, and he got married less than a fortnight ago. Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota: 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had 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 Andre. We will all miss you.' Former Liverpool star and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish wrote on X: 'Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. 'Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA.' Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying on Sky Sports News: 'Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together. 'I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family - his wife and the children they've got, it's devastating for all involved. 'I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family. 'It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he's had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can't even comprehend it.' Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story. The Manchester United skipper wrote: 'Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how can someone leave so soon. 'May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family.' Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves also took to their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves colleague's death. Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: 'It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it. 'An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you.' Jota's Portuguese compatriot Neves said: 'They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them.' Jota's former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in 'mourning' in a statement, while Atletico added they were 'shocked by the tragic news'. Sports agency Gestifute, which represented the Liverpool player, paid tribute to 'a rare player and an exceptional professional, but he was much more than that. He was an exemplary son, a devoted husband, and a fervent and devoted father. And those who knew him closely also know that he was a unique friend and an extraordinary human being.' Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: 'That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.' NBA great and well-known Liverpool supporter LeBron James posted on X: 'My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!' Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who shared a dressing room with Jota on international duty with Portugal, said on his Instagram story: ' strength to the family.' Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice described the deaths as 'heartbreaking' on his Instagram story and added: 'RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family.' England's Women's team, currently on Euro 2025 finals duty in Switzerland along with their Portuguese counterparts, posted on X: 'We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend. 'The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams.' UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: 'His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.'
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Striker Darwin Nunez expressed his sympathies on Instagram, saying: 'There are no words of comfort for so much pain. 'I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. 'I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.' Nunez signed off 'Q.E.P.D (que en paz descanse - may he rest in peace) Diogo and Andre'. Harvey Elliott, a member of England Under-21s' European Championship-winning team, posted: 'Diogo, I can't believe you're gone. It's hard to put into words how much this hurts us. 'You were an incredible footballer. the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hard-working, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything. 'I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I'll carry with me forever. You'll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you. 'My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother. Rest easy Diogo & Andre. You'll Never Walk Alone.' 'Heartbroken' former manager Jürgen Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! Shortly before 10.30am (0930 GMT) Liverpool issued a statement which 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, team-mates 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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Fans left wreaths, scarves and shirts at a makeshift shrine outside Anfield, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, attending a conference in Liverpool, among those to lay flowers in person. There were similar scenes outside Molineux. Local police, investigating the accident at 1230am on Thursday in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora, said: 'In the absence of a conclusion of the experts' evidence, everything points that a car left the road, due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.' Jota won 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal, last month winning the Nations League for a second time. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, with nine coming last season as Arne Slot's side won the Premier League title, having previously lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He signed for Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2017 and helped win the Championship in his first season, scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances before moving to Anfield. Jota's career began at Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico, where he did not play a game but was loaned out to Porto. His brother spent time in Porto's youth team before playing senior football for Gondomar and second-tier side Penafiel. 'The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation,' read a Penafiel statement.
